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 WebSome experts believe sedatives may prolong the opioid high, making the drugs more desirable on the street.—Brian Mann, NPR, 29 May 2024 Switching to a no- or low-heat drying option, or opting for an air dry setup, will still prolong your denim’s lifespan.—Abby Wilson, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2024 High monthly prices coupled with the lock-in effect, in which homeowners are reluctant to let go of their sub-4% mortgage rates, have prolonged the frozen housing market.—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 24 May 2024 Limit prolonged sun exposure While genetics play a major role in predisposing some individuals to skin cancer, Dr. Jeanniton notes environmental factors, particularly UV radiation exposure, as significantly contributing to its development.—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 21 May 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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