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Definitions

lengthen

[lengk-thuhn, leng-, len-] / ˈlɛŋk θən, ˈlɛŋ-, ˈlɛn- /
VERB
extend
Synonyms
STRONGEST
augment elongate expand prolong
STRONG
amplify continue dilate distend draw increase pad proceed protract reach stretch
WEAK
drag out draw out let out make longer prolongate spin out string out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abbreviate contract shorten
STRONG
cease compress curtail decrease halt lessen lose reduce stop
WEAK
cut

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Eccentric exercise focuses on the phase when muscles lengthen rather than shorten.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2026

Airport security lines could lengthen as over 11% of TSA officers previously called out when unpaid, with some airports reaching 50%.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

The hole had been a source of controversy all week following the decision to lengthen it from 236 to 273 yards.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2026

You step on the gas and somewhere within, something hums faster, and the Hyundai starts to lengthen its stride.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

She watched the shadow of the boat lengthen and the sunlight creep away from the rock.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer

Vocabulary lists containing lengthen

"The Fox" by Malinda Lo

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