prolong

verb

pro·​long prə-ˈlȯŋ 

prolonged; prolonging; prolongs

transitive verb

1

: to lengthen in time : continue

2

: to lengthen in extent, scope, or range

prolongation

(ˌ)prō-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgā-shən  prə- 

noun

prolonger

prə-ˈlȯŋ-ər 

noun

Synonyms of prolong

• lengthen
• extend
• increase

Choose the Right Synonym for prolong

extend, lengthen, prolong, protract 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

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 Web

Aging systems, including the roof, electrical and plumbing infrastructure, would continue to deteriorate, potentially increasing long-term costs and prolonging uncertainty around the building’s future. —Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026

Day seven The trip from Ballantrae back to Edinburgh is only two hours, but a stay at Prestonfield House, located on the outskirts of the city, can prolong the sense of rural escape for a pinch longer. —Timothy Latterner, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Feb. 2026

If the sale were blocked, that would likely prolong a years-long regulatory and legal fight over the future of Aquarion, the state’s biggest water utility. —Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 23 Feb. 2026

Blizzard warnings are set to expire this evening, but several feet of snow are expected to remain on the ground for several days, while another clipper system is forecast to move through later this week, likely prolonging delays, though not necessarily causing a complete suspension of service. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French prolonguer, from Late Latin prolongare, from Latin pro- forward + longus long

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prolong

• agung
• along
• belong
• birdsong
• furlong
• headlong
• headstrong
• lifelong
• plainsong
• sarong
• tanjong
• weeklong

Kids Definition

prolong

verb

pro·​long prə-ˈlȯŋ 

: to make longer in time

prolonged the visit