as in extends
to make longer
I had to lengthen the handle of the paint roller in order to reach the top of the wall
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Recent Examples of lengthens
Not to mention climate change, which lengthens growing seasons and increases pollen production.
—
Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026
The structured waistband anchors the silhouette, a front pleat adds depth, and the longer hemline lengthens the leg.
—Alex Sales, Glamour, 15 Mar. 2026
The law phases out several affordable repayment plans and lengthens terms for others.
—Annie Nova,kamaron McNair, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
At some point his stride lengthens, brisk, impatient.
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, Tyler Myers lengthens — literally and figuratively — the Stars’ back end.
—The Athletic Nhl Staff, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Ingesting it sooner lengthens the rope for more leverage.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 6 Mar. 2026
The vineyards benefit from the moderating influence of the lake, which reduces frost pressure and lengthens the growing season — an advantage in northern viticulture.
—Michael Johnson, Twin Cities, 23 Feb. 2026
Have several sets of sheets on hand to rotate (this lengthens their lifespan).
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 20 Feb. 2026
Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026
The structured waistband anchors the silhouette, a front pleat adds depth, and the longer hemline lengthens the leg.
—Alex Sales, Glamour, 15 Mar. 2026
The law phases out several affordable repayment plans and lengthens terms for others.
—Annie Nova,kamaron McNair, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
At some point his stride lengthens, brisk, impatient.
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, Tyler Myers lengthens — literally and figuratively — the Stars’ back end.
—The Athletic Nhl Staff, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Ingesting it sooner lengthens the rope for more leverage.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 6 Mar. 2026
The vineyards benefit from the moderating influence of the lake, which reduces frost pressure and lengthens the growing season — an advantage in northern viticulture.
—Michael Johnson, Twin Cities, 23 Feb. 2026
Have several sets of sheets on hand to rotate (this lengthens their lifespan).
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 20 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lengthens
Verb
-
This participatory element extends the exhibition beyond visual engagement, emphasizing process over permanence.—
Olga Garcia-Mayoral,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Warren junior second baseman Lauren Jaronik agrees that Meno’s influence extends beyond her hitting and fielding.—
Bobby Narang,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The translunar injection involves firing Orion's main engine, which increases the spacecraft's velocity to send it out of Earth orbit and toward the moon.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
With warmer weather heralding spring, the amount of outdoor activities significantly increases.—
Lesly Gregory,
AJC.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Another is expected to take shape in Councilmember Rick Jennings’ district, which stretches from Land Park to the Pocket.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Graves’ exit has sparked intense speculation about his potential successor to represent Missouri’s 6th Congressional District, which stretches across northern Missouri and touches Kansas City’s Northland.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Deadheading keeps the plant neat and prolongs its blooming period.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Defensiveness prolongs the exchange and keeps you tethered to the old dynamic.—
Jann Blackstone,
Boston Herald,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Its minimalist silhouette fits naturally under straight-leg jeans to create a clean line that elongates the figure.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The preppy shoe, which often has a slight heel, elongates the legs when paired with this specific style of denim.—
Kaitlin Clapinski,
InStyle,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lengthens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lengthens. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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