LENGTHEN Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'lengthen' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lengthen are extend , prolong , and protract . While all these words mean "to draw out or add to so as to increase in length," extend and lengthen imply a drawing out in space or time but extend may also imply increase in width, scope, area, or range. // extend a vacation // extend welfare services // lengthen a skirt // lengthen the workweek

Q: When might 'prolong' be a better fit than 'lengthen'?

While the synonyms prolong and lengthen are close in meaning, prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits. // prolonged illness

Q: How are the words 'protract' and 'prolong' related as synonyms of 'lengthen'?

Protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness. // protracted litigation

lengthen

verb

ˈleŋ(k)-thən

Definition of lengthen

as in to extend

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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How does the verb lengthen contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lengthen are extend, prolong, and protract. While all these words mean "to draw out or add to so as to increase in length," extend and lengthen imply a drawing out in space or time but extend may also imply increase in width, scope, area, or range.

extend a vacation

extend welfare services

lengthen a skirt

lengthen the workweek

When might prolong be a better fit than lengthen?

While the synonyms prolong and lengthen are close in meaning, prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits.

prolonged illness

How are the words protract and prolong related as synonyms of lengthen?

Protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness.

protracted litigation

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 lengthen The sideways lean becomes a forward one, the gap between his legs increases, and his feet begin landing beneath or slightly behind his centre of mass as his stride lengthens. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Go with a pair of sleek almond-toe pumps to visually lengthen the legs and instantly elevate a look. — Renata Joffre, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026 Tommy John, the former MLB pitcher whose elbow surgery set the standard in baseball and helped lengthen the careers of countless players, has died. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 Long downhill sections can heat-soak the brakes and lengthen stopping distances, while long ascends have the same effect on the motor and transmission's cooling systems. — New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lengthen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lengthen

Verb

The deal also extends the expiration date of non-refundable tax credits issued prior to 2025 by up to five years.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026
The potential benefits may also extend beyond a single workout for leaders who maintain a consistent exercise practice.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of extend

Verb

In addition to knowing what fruits and veggies to keep away from one another, keeping your produce stored at cooler temperatures is helpful for prolonging your food as well.

— Molly Burford, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026
Golden State dominated the Sun from the jump and won 89-64 in Uncasville, picking up its second straight win to prolong a strong start to a four-game road trip before the WNBA’s FIBA World Cup break.

— Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of prolong

Verb

There are also increasing concerns that the Russia-Ukraine war could escalate, amid reports that CIA chief John Ratcliffe have made a secretive Moscow trip to warn Russia against attacking NATO.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Friday starts dry in the Twin Cities with clouds and temperatures increasing through the afternoon.

— Joseph Dames, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

The seasonal calendar is stretching earlier, chains are competing to own the first sip of autumn, and customers are voting with their orders.

— Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
And Experian IdentityWorks is a solid, affordable pick if you're already stretched thin by loan payments, with a free tier and paid plans still under $25 a month for three-bureau coverage.

— Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of stretch

Browse Nearby Words

length

lengthen

lengthened

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“Lengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lengthen. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of lengthen

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