lengthens

verb

present tense third-person singular of lengthen
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lengthens Whether they’re kitten-heeled or a tall pump, this shoe design lengthens the leg, offsetting the Bermuda shorts to create a streamlined silhouette. — René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 3 July 2026 These Levi’s 314 Shaping Straight Jeans and Classic Straight Jeans, for example, have an elongating silhouette that lengthens the legs. — Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 30 June 2026 It’s made of soft pebbled leather with a fabric lining, and the adjustable strap lengthens to 22 inches to get the best fit. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 June 2026 Francisco Alvarez’s return lengthens the lineup. — Will Sammon, New York Times, 13 June 2026 When the cycle lengthens, growth is a tax on the balance sheet rather than a contribution. — Ali Aydan, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 To begin the response this belatedly only lengthens the road to resolution. — Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026 Customers agree that the curved brush lengthens and volumizes their lashes, while the formula is smudge-, flake-, clump-, and sweat-proof. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026 Not to mention climate change, which lengthens growing seasons and increases pollen production. — Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lengthens
  1. extends
  2. increases
  3. stretches
  4. prolongs
  5. elongates
Verb
  • Its selection even extends to name-brand favorites from Miraclesuit and Aqua, featuring tons of tasteful one-pieces, cover-ups, and more, all at rare markdowns.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
  • For Blackstock, the return on investment extends well beyond financial performance.
    — Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of extends
Verb
  • Airport officials say the new design increases the distance between the terminal and the nearest runway, currently as little as 257 feet, soon to be about 880 feet, bringing the airport into compliance with FAA standards.
    — Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Firejet production also increases Beyond collaborative combat aircraft, the expansion will increase production of Kratos’ Firejet family of aerial target systems.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026
Definition of increases
Verb
  • With a history that stretches back to 1221, this is considered the world’s oldest pharmacy, where Dominican friars produced medicinal tinctures and perfumes.
    — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
  • The rivalry between the neighboring nations stretches back over 100 years on the pitch without ever being one that has slipped into hatred.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of stretches
Verb
  • Deadheading prolongs the bloom time, but leaving the flowerheads to dry in place will make the birds in your garden happy and add winter interest to planting beds.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 28 June 2026
  • Minoxidil prolongs the growth phase of those follicles.
    — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2026
Definition of prolongs
Verb
  • This Amazon style has a similar polished pointed-toe design that not only dresses up your outfit but also elongates your legs.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
  • These nails are oval-shaped, which elongates the nail and prevents broken nails.
    — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 19 June 2026
Definition of elongates

Browse Nearby Words

lengthening
lengthens
lengthiness
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Cite this Entry

“Lengthens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lengthens. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lengthens

Nglish: Translation of lengthens for Spanish Speakers

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