lengthen
verb (used with object)
to make longer; make greater in length.
have lengthened
-
present perfectof lengthen.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Firetruck costs have more than doubled over the past decade and production delays have lengthened, with delivery times now stretching up to five years, Warren and Banks say in a statement accompanying the resolution.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026
Detention times have lengthened, and whereas before deported people might be able to return, now there is scant chance of reentering the U.S.’s hyper-militarized border.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 14, 2026
Freezing temperatures have lengthened the odds, even as international teams arrive in Turkey with equipment and rescue dogs to detect the scent of humans beneath the wreckage.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 9, 2023
Changes to make new-build public sector buildings more environmentally friendly have lengthened this process.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2022
That has been the task of my kindred, while the years have lengthened and the grass has grown.
From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien
