lengthen
8 synonyms and 6 antonyms for lengthen, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make something longer, or to become longer.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use lengthen
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
lengthen a hem
lengthen the odds
Etymology
Formed from length and -en.
Full origin of lengthen →Frequently asked questions
What does “lengthen” mean?
The word “lengthen” means to make something longer, or to become longer. In plain terms, to extend something in length, whether that's clothing, a schedule, or the daylight hours.
How do you pronounce “lengthen”?
“Lengthen” is pronounced LEHNG-thuhn (/ˈlɛŋθən/ in IPA).
How do you use “lengthen” in a sentence?
Here is “lengthen” used in a sentence: “The tailor lengthened the trousers by two inches.”
What is another word for “lengthen”?
Words with a similar meaning to “lengthen” include elongate, draw out, enlengthen, extend, produce and prolong.
What is the opposite of “lengthen”?
The opposite of “lengthen” — its antonyms — are shorten, abbreviate, abridge, amputate and breviate.
What part of speech is “lengthen”?
“Lengthen” is a verb.
