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 next

as in to lengthen

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Examples 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 Discussions over these types of edits may prolong the bill's passage. —

Alexandria Sands, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025 The region will continue to see cooler temperatures into next week, prolonging the likelihood of hazardous travel conditions. —

Judson Jones, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 These strategic precepts first failed to prevent, and then prolonged, World War II. —

Alexander Cooley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 Their security has been prolonged, and your brothers are being killed. —

Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for prolong

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolong

Verb

The streaming giant joined a lengthening list of companies that have topped analysts’ profit expectations for the end of 2024.

— Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Trump had previously floated exercising a 90-day extension written into the law to lengthen the deadline for a sale and reportedly considered issuing an executive order.

— Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 19 Jan. 2025