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
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
As the day lengthens, and between moves, a little grease imprints each of my pieces—the residue of crackly griot, pikliz, and tostones.
—Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026
The vegan formula tubes, lengthens, and volumizes by coating each lash in lightweight fibers and film-forming polymers for striking definition.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2026
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
As the day lengthens, and between moves, a little grease imprints each of my pieces—the residue of crackly griot, pikliz, and tostones.
—Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026
The vegan formula tubes, lengthens, and volumizes by coating each lash in lightweight fibers and film-forming polymers for striking definition.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lengthens
Verb
-
The tornado watch extends through central Oklahoma as well.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Operating within those parameters, the mystic outlands trend extends to some of the world’s most mesmerizing corners.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Construction increases fire risk.—
Matthew Kayser,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The ability to see farther and hit faster dramatically increases the information processing burden on military organizations.—
Jon R. Lindsay,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The 2nd District stretches from the central part of the state west to the Mississippi River and is considered a Democratic stronghold, setting Thompson up to win his 18th congressional term.—
JEFF AMY AND SOPHIE BATES THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The veteran Swedish defender reads play early, organizes the defensive line and rarely panics when San Diego’s aggressive pressing scheme stretches the field.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
That the Blues had to kick these moves down the road to the summer because Parayko used his no-trade clause and Armstrong couldn’t find anyone to meet his prices elsewhere only prolongs the pain.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The latest pullback in Bitcoin prolongs a brutal stretch for cryptocurrencies dating back to October.—
Carlos Garcia,
Fortune,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Original EveryWear Zero Waistband Micro Flare Jeans Designed to hug your curves and shape your waist, the Zero Waistband Micro Flare Jeans have a flare leg and a high waist that elongates the legs.—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lengthens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lengthens. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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