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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 For the second consecutive year, JAFF Future Project has renewed its partnership with the Adelaide Film Festival and Mylab, extending pathways for creative exchange between Asia and Australia. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025 Some cultures’ memories extend back to the deep past, handed down, repeated, and embellished over thousands of years. Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025 However, Johnson's faith does not appear to extend to quarterback Justin Fields. Staff, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025 That multigenerational spirit extends far beyond the Frank family. Abby Price, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extend
Verb
  • Charlotte Tilbury only just launched at Amazon, but this best-selling liquid highlighter is already marked down, as is this Lancôme mascara that defines, volumizes, and lengthens lashes in one fell swoop.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • His telomeres, protective caps on chromosomes, lengthened in space, only to shorten rapidly upon return.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Geiger said many stores began offering discounts and clearance on select Halloween items even in early October.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Swirling together American history with eerie hauntings, a trip to Salem, Massachusetts offers a fascinating look at one of the country’s most tragic events—the Salem witch trials of 1692.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When a snowstorm blows up suddenly and socks in the entire area, Lester and Mike begin a search that soon expands with the aid of local neighbors and law enforcement.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The Functional Fabric Fair has also expanded its speaker programming to provide forward-thinking insights and solutions to current challenges.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As a direct result of this, businesses end up with managers who aren’t confident in their ability to lead, and who struggle to deal with the various challenges that come with managing people, leading both employees and struggling managers to resign.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The Pima Critical Incident Team was activated after the incident with the Oro Valley Police Department assigned to lead the investigation, Adger said.
    Julie Mendes, AZCentral.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Investors cheered the improbable rise of the amateur heavy metal drummer and hard-line conservative, who’s expected to increase defense spending, cut taxes, and revive Japan’s nuclear power industry.
    Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The salt in your food can increase fluid retention in your kidneys, potentially leading to elevated blood pressure,’’ said Pianko.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Americano Americano is a shot of espresso that’s diluted with hot water, resulting in a smoother and more balanced flavor.
    Laura Schober, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
  • While bleach should never be used at full-strength on any floors, it can be diluted and used on concrete, tile, and sometimes vinyl.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Chop your pumpkin into smaller pieces before adding it to your bin, and avoid using pumpkins that have been decorated or exposed to chemicals to prolong their shelf life.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The judges also now try to cram multiple cases into a time block that previously would’ve been reserved for one case, attorneys said, prolonging and straining the rare individualized — and critical — court hearings that often determine an immigrant’s fate.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Tim Curry of Rocky Horror Picture Show fame memorably gave the dancing clown its first breath in a 1990 miniseries co-written and directed by Tommy Lee Wallace.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
  • When Salah was left out away at Galatasaray last month, Slot could sell it as keeping him fresh given the trip to Turkey fell between tricky Premier League games against Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Extend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extend. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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