lengthen

verb

length·​en ˈleŋ(k)-thən How to pronounce lengthen (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
lengthened; lengthening
ˈleŋ(k)th-niŋ, 
ˈlen(t)th-;
  ˈleŋ(k)-thə- How to pronounce lengthen (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
Synonyms of lengthennext

transitive verb

: to make longer

intransitive verb

: to grow longer
lengthener
ˈleŋ(k)th-nər, 
ˈlen(t)th-;
  ˈleŋ(k)-thə- How to pronounce lengthen (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
noun

Synonyms of lengthen

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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
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.
And among those areas that could face a lengthening drought is the Pacific Northwest because of the way the jet stream moves during El Nino. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 But part of the reason the Rays got Hicks in trade last week from Miami was to lengthen the top of their lineup and provide protection for Caminero. — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026 The Philadelphia Phillies entered the trade deadline widely expected to pursue a significant upgrade, with much of the speculation centered on adding a right-handed outfielder capable of lengthening the lineup beyond the infield staples. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Like a single on the old-skool charts, Sean Combs‘ prison time keeps moving up and down, with the Bad Boy Records founder’s stint behind bars lengthened again. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lengthen

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

Rhymes for lengthen

See All Rhymes for lengthen

Browse Nearby Words

length-breadth index
lengthen
lengthener
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lengthen. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lengthen

verb
length·​en ˈleŋ(k)-thən How to pronounce lengthen (audio)
ˈlen(t)-
lengthened; lengthening ˈleŋ(k)th-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce lengthen (audio)
ˈlen(t)th-
: to make or become longer
lengthener
ˈleŋ(k)th-(ə-)nər How to pronounce lengthen (audio)
ˈlen(t)th-
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lengthen

Nglish: Translation of lengthen for Spanish Speakers

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