PROLONG Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'prolong' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prolong are extend , lengthen , and protract . While all these words mean "to draw out or add to so as to increase in length," prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits. // prolonged illness

Q: How do 'extend' and 'lengthen' relate to one another, in the sense of 'prolong'?

Both 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

Q: How are the words 'protract' and 'prolong' related?

Protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness. // protracted litigation

prolong

verb

prə-ˈlȯŋ

Definition of prolong

as in to lengthen

to make longer would like to prolong our vacation by any means possible

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How does the verb prolong contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prolong are extend, lengthen, and protract. While all these words mean "to draw out or add to so as to increase in length," prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits.

prolonged illness

How do extend and lengthen relate to one another, in the sense of prolong?

Both 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

How are the words protract and prolong related?

Protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness.

protracted litigation

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of prolong Adding a food-grade absorbent pad such as a paper towel to the bottom of the container can help wick away any excess moisture, prolonging the life of the blossoms. — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026 Hinch directed questions about the timing of this move to the front office, but the Tigers clearly did not view any PPI possibilities as worth the cost of prolonging Clark’s ascension to the majors. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 Saudi Arabia's leaders are trying to avoid further regional escalation that would risk miscalculation or prolonging of the war. — Margaret Brennan, CBS News, 30 July 2026 Reciprocally, Iran is helping Putin prolong his invasion of Ukraine. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for prolong

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolong

Verb

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

Definition of lengthen

Verb

The attention to detail extended even to Obama’s on-screen aide, played by his real-life Director of Oval Office Operations Brian Mosteller.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
Seiya Suzuki followed with a two-run single to extend his career-high on-base streak to 25 games.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of extend

Verb

The kingdom has faced increasing attacks from the Houthis, who also declared a blockade on the al-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea on July 20.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Nor would increased options out wide and a central defender, The Athletic revealing earlier this week that a couple of bids have been rejected for Norway international centre-back Henrik Falchener, 23, from that country’s Viking Stavanger.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of increase

Browse Nearby Words

prologues

prolong

prolongation

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“Prolong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolong. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of prolong

verb

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