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
  • The friendship between Affleck and Damon extends to their respective kids, with both families vacationing together and sharing social events.
    — Valentina Dirindin, Vanity Fair, 18 July 2026
  • The new study extends that idea to quantum operations, specifically unitary gates.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
Definition of extends
Verb
  • Near Streets In urban environments, planting along high-traffic streets increases the concentrations of pollutants from car exhaust that can contaminate the fruit.
    — Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026
  • Having the flexibility to work part time or adjust hours is one factor that almost certainly increases the share of women in the labor force in Nordic countries.
    — Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
Definition of increases
Verb
  • The 28216 zip code stretches northwest from just north of uptown past I-485.
    — Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026
  • The Licking ranch sits within the Hell Creek Formation, a legendary geological boneyard that stretches across Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 13 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
  • The continuous tone-on-tone color elongates the silhouette and has a refined finish.
    — Alex Sales, Glamour, 14 July 2026
  • These lightweight shorts have a high-rise silhouette that elongates your legs and come in a handful of colors that pair easily with a variety of tops.
    — Kaitlin Gates, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026
Definition of elongates

Browse Nearby Words

lengthening
lengthens
lengthiness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lengthens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lengthens. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lengthens

Nglish: Translation of lengthens for Spanish Speakers

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