EXTEND Synonyms: 210 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of extend are lengthen , prolong , and protract . While all these words mean "to draw out or add to so as to increase in length," 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: When would 'prolong' be a good substitute for 'extend'?

The words prolong and extend can be used in similar contexts, but prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits. // prolonged illness

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

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

extend

verb

ik-ˈstend

Definition of extend next

as in to lengthen

to make longer our guests from out of town extended their visit by a week

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to offer

to put before another for acceptance or consideration the couple extended an invitation to join them for a get-together at their house after the concert

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as in to expand

to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area you can extend that chaise longue so that it lies completely flat

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as in to lead

to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction our backyard extends all the way to that brook

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as in to increase

to make greater in size, amount, or number embarked on a series of wars intended to extend his empire

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as in to dilute

to alter (something) for the worse with the addition of foreign or lower-grade substances the company extends its ice cream with thickeners and other additives

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb extend contrast with its synonyms?

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

When would prolong be a good substitute for extend?

The words prolong and extend can be used in similar contexts, but prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits.

prolonged illness

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

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 extend In response, the president signed an executive order imposing a 10% global tariff rate using a federal trade law that allows the executive branch to enact temporary import taxes for 150 days unless extended by Congress. —

Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026 The efficiency extends beyond open play and there is a ruthlessness to how English teams manage matches. —

Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2026 The openness extends beyond her music. —

Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 17 Mar. 2026 But Sorrell met Yearwood again in the seventh, and hit another two-run dinger to extend Texas A&M's lead to 9-6. —

Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extend

Verb

As vines lengthen upwards they are attached to the next horizontal support in the same manner.

— Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 15 Mar. 2026
The structured waistband anchors the silhouette, a front pleat adds depth, and the longer hemline lengthens the leg.

— Alex Sales, Glamour, 15 Mar. 2026