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.
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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
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