lengthen

verb

length·en ˈleŋ(k)-thən

ˈlen(t)-

lengthened; lengthening

ˈleŋ(k)th-niŋ,

ˈlen(t)th-;

ˈleŋ(k)-thə-

ˈlen(t)-

Synonyms of lengthen next

transitive verb

: to make longer

intransitive verb

: to grow longer

lengthener

ˈleŋ(k)th-nər

ˈlen(t)th-;

ˈleŋ(k)-thə-

ˈlen(t)-

noun

Choose the Right Synonym for lengthen

extend, lengthen, prolong, protract 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

prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits.

prolonged illness

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

protracted litigation

Examples of lengthen in a Sentence

The days lengthened with the approach of spring. Proper care will lengthen the life of the engine. lengthen a pair of trousers

Recent Examples on the Web The exterior combines a custom charcoal hull and white superstructure with distinctive trapezoid windows and lengthened upper decks. —

Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 1 July 2024 Its nave was lengthened to allow seating up to 60 people; radiant floor heating and electricity were also added. —

Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 23 May 2024 But in decades to come, advancements in the science of aging may still lead to therapeutic breakthroughs that lengthen human healthspan — the period of life spent in good health. —

Jacob Sweet, Vox, 8 May 2024 The natural infielder looked uncomfortable there at times, and his bat didn’t lengthen his leash. —

Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lengthen

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lengthen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler

The first known use of lengthen was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Lengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lengthen. Accessed 14 Jul. 2024.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

lengthen

verb

length·en ˈleŋ(k)-thən

ˈlen(t)-

lengthened; lengthening ˈleŋ(k)th-(ə-)niŋ

ˈlen(t)th-

: to make or become longer

lengthener

ˈleŋ(k)th-(ə-)nər

ˈlen(t)th-

noun

Last Updated: 5 Jul 2024 - Updated example sentences

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

coterie

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

lengthen

verb

Synonyms

Examples of lengthen in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near lengthen

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition