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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Emergency crews rescued hundreds of people from the rising waters, and authorities feared the soggy ground would prolong the risk of floods and mudslides for days. — Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026 Additionally, Oaks Park evacuated the park without providing traffic control, which delayed first responders from being able to enter the park quickly in an emergency, prolonging suffering. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Any cut watermelon needs to be covered and refrigerated immediately to prolong its freshness to the extent possible. — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 20 Aug. 2026 More Getty Images LeBron James has prolonged his longevity more than just by defying Father Time. — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prolong

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolong

Verb

While hardware sales face lengthening upgrade cycles and volatile component pricing, services revenue remains remarkably sticky.

— Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
The asymmetry can help visually lengthen and balance a round face.

— Laura Solla, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of lengthen

Verb

There are also increasing concerns that the Russia-Ukraine war could escalate, amid reports that CIA chief John Ratcliffe have made a secretive Moscow trip to warn Russia against attacking NATO.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Friday starts dry in the Twin Cities with clouds and temperatures increasing through the afternoon.

— Joseph Dames, CBS News, 28 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of prolong

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