prolong

verb

pro·​long prə-ˈlȯŋ How to pronounce prolong (audio)
prolonged; prolonging; prolongs

transitive verb

1
: to lengthen in time : continue
2
: to lengthen in extent, scope, or range
prolonger noun
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
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.
According to Ellis, cashmere deserves its own storage solution and this two-pack, which includes one 15-inch and one 18-inch bag, is the perfect sweater saver that will protect and prolong the life of your cashmere. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025 The long-running lawsuit from Serna’s family, first filed in 2020, is just one example of how the county needlessly fights and prolongs litigation, said civil rights lawyer Danielle Pena, who has sued the county over other jail deaths. Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025 Nuts Different types of nuts, like almonds, are a key snack for prolonging energy. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 29 Sep. 2025 To help prolong the life of your heavy-duty bedding, only wash when necessary, and consider using a duvet to reduce the frequency of cleaning. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prolong

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of prolong was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prolong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prolong. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

prolong

verb
pro·​long prə-ˈlȯŋ How to pronounce prolong (audio)
: to make longer in time
prolonged the visit

More from Merriam-Webster on prolong

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