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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 Facing double match point, Bouchard extended the rally, but ultimately her backhand sailed wide, ending the match and her career. Lukas Weese, New York Times, 31 July 2025 What to expect beyond the green The renovations extend beyond the greens. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025 But the wisdom drawn from effective organizations has proved time after time that teamwork drives change, and that priorities can and should extend beyond a dollar figure. George Atallah, Sportico.com, 31 July 2025 The club just extended All-Star pitcher Seth Lugo with a new two-year contract. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for extend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extend
Verb
  • Featuring 30 essential oils, the rosemary oil combats dandruff and lengthens hair.
    Amy Schulman, People.com, 23 July 2025
  • The cut helps to visually lengthen by creating soft vertical lines around round faces, and for square faces, the layers will soften the angles of the jawline thanks to their face framing qualities.
    Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • Full table service is offered in broad dining rooms with sturdy chairs and vinyl tablecloths.
    Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 23 July 2025
  • Uline offers thousands of products to businesses nationwide.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Further research is needed to expand our knowledge of the effects of probiotics on the gut microbiome.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 July 2025
  • By doing that, the company was able to expand its operations and add to its Michigan workforce.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • The Enquirer asked Messer Construction, the company leading the project, about the yellow that now coats parts of where the metal panels are supposed to be.
    Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 29 July 2025
  • Those strengths were often neutralized while leading a veteran Phillies team as the organization tried to stave off an ultimately unavoidable rebuild.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • Decades of research and studies in agriculture have increased production across all crops in the U.S., said James, and cannabis can adopt those same technologies.
    Julie Weed, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • The poll also showed that Trump's approval remains unchanged from March at 46 percent, while his disapproval increased by 1 point to 52 percent.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Such critics are concerned that our approach might dilute the sense of urgency necessary and undermine public messaging.
    Francesco Rubino, Time, 9 July 2025
  • Fill the glass with ice, and repeat with the other glass. 3: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, stir together the Earl Grey simple syrup, lime juice and smoked paprika until thoroughly chilled and diluted, about 15 seconds.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Washington blames Hamas for prolonging the war and obstructing humanitarian aid.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • To prolong your stay in this natural wonderland, look to organizations such as United Planet and Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, which also offers opportunities to work on conservation projects or in social services.
    Sarah Sekula, USA Today, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Samsung has given Harman access to a wide array of technologies beyond traditional audio, including instrument panels and driver monitoring.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 27 July 2025
  • His cameo in Rocky III gave wrestling mainstream attention, along with his cartoon called Hulk Hogan’s Rock 'n’ Wrestling, which was broadcast on Saturday mornings in the mid-1980s.
    Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Extend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extend. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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