as in extension
the act of making longer
a lengthening of the school year is favored by many of the parents in the school district
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in stretching
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lengthening
Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 19 Dec. 2025
Instead, gently encourage the lengthening of your muscles.
—Gerard Hartmann, Outside, 3 Nov. 2025
The researchers also searched for molecular signs of a process called alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), a telomere-extending mechanism that doesn’t rely on the usual enzyme, telomerase.
—New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2025
Shelby Comroe, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
Stefanski’s odds have been lengthening while Harbaugh’s are shortening.
—Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Spanxshape Scuba Micro Flare Leggings An elevated take on classic, wear-everywhere leggings, these bottoms feature a flattering flare hem designed for a sleek leg-lengthening look that complements anyone’s shape.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 25 Dec. 2025
Days on market keep lengthening, creating more stale listings.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 22 Dec. 2025
Meanwhile, her lengthening series of missteps cast fog around Paramount management’s ability to run media properties with any degree of success.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 22 Dec. 2025
Levi's 726 High-Rise Flare Jeans The flares on these Levi's jeans start lower on the leg for a cleaner, lengthening line.
—Michelle Rostamian, PEOPLE, 21 Dec. 2025
The average job search is also lengthening, another sign the hiring door is locked.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 16 Dec. 2025
The soil is warming, days are lengthening, and new roots have months to establish before winter.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
The solstice signifies the start of winter and also heralds the incremental lengthening of days, symbolizing hope and renewal in many cultures.
—Verb
Despite being flat to the ground, the sleek and streamlined design of a slim sneaker elongates your legs, creating a lengthening effect that balances your proportions beautifully.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for lengthening
Noun
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For the comedic pair, the project is a natural extension of their decades-long creative partnership.—
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The payment extension only covers 2025 taxes, LeVota said.—
Verb
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He was first elected to the House in 1992, and now represents an inland district stretching from the southern Riverside suburbs to Palm Springs.—
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Without stretching their budget, travelers can enjoy 22 miles of pristine coastline or cross the bridge to hop on a shuttle with Explore Jax Core Tours, where the city’s history, culture, and future unfold through vivid storytelling and physical representation.—
Verb
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Motorola devices will follow, with over-the-air updates extending support over time.—
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Keeping your right knee slightly bent, perform the deadlift by bending at the hip, extending your left leg behind you for balance.—
Verb
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Despite his efforts, violence has continued to escalate with police increasing patrols and surveillance in Puerto Lopez following recent massacres in the province, the Associated Press said.—
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Progress in robotics, according to PNDbotics, depends less on increasing complexity and more on tighter integration between hardware and intelligence.—
Verb
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Yet once again, the results came back benign, prolonging the uncertainty and fear.—
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Lawson Luckie for 17 yards, prolonging a drive that ended in a 37-yard field goal by Peyton Woodring.—
Verb
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These chic trousers are now 84-percent off, this easy-but-elegant top is just $28, and this timeless winter sweater and these leg-elongating jeans are both just $40.—
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Sleek, elongating, and supportive?—
Cite this Entry
“Lengthening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lengthening. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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