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
prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits.
prolonged illness
protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness.
protracted litigation
Examples of prolong in a Sentence
Additives are used to prolong the shelf life of packaged food.
High interest rates were prolonging the recession.
Recent Examples on the WebWash and remove stems and pits right before using the cherries to prolong their life.—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2024 McGee, whose favorite brand of water is Mountain Valley, said he’s learned some of the healthier ways to consume water such as from a glass rather than plastic or adding Celtic sea salt for natural electrolytes, changing the water’s molecular levels and prolonging hydration.—Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 14 June 2024 The Nurses’ Health Study also highlights that prolonged sitting can reduce insulin sensitivity, which can put people at risk for chronic conditions like diabetes.—Byalexa Mikhail, Fortune Well, 14 June 2024 Anime’s global reach continues to grow and long may this be prolonged.—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for prolong
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prolong.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Middle French prolonguer, from Late Latin prolongare, from Latin pro- forward + longus long
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