Definition of extendnext
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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 Crews were at the home within five minutes and encountered fire venting from multiple windows and extending toward the second floor, fire officials said. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026 The protection, which is usually in effect for a year or more, was extended repeatedly as Haiti was hit with more natural disasters and political upheaval. Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 3 Feb. 2026 Iger was only supposed to remain as CEO for two years before a successor was announced, but instead his contract was extended another two years to bring him through 2026. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 3 Feb. 2026 If more days are needed, schools might have to extend the school year or switch to virtual learning. Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extend
Verb
  • The best candidates are those whose philtrums are congenitally long or have lengthened with age.
    Jolene Edgar, Allure, 27 Jan. 2026
  • This pair of white straight-leg jeans resembles the model’s denim look with their high-rise waist and leg-lengthening profile.
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Local law enforcement and the FBI are now offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Guthrie’s safe return.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
  • In September, Putin offered to keep the New START's limits for another year to buy time for both sides to negotiate a successor agreement.
    VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV, Arkansas Online, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Jennie headlined Coachella as a solo artist while expanding her fashion ventures.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • In recent years, auction houses have expanded their categories as luxury goods and collectibles have helped buoy their sales.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The American team will be led by New Orleans Saints associate head coach Joel Thomas, the former Arkansas running backs coach.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Among those helping lead the community welcome is the Palisades Recovery Coalition, which will provide coffee to parents and community members gathering outside the school as students arrive.
    Daily News, Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Research shows more adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, with incidence increasing over the last three decades.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 31 Jan. 2026
  • When applied to the scalp, minoxidil increases blood flow and stimulates your hair follicles to regrow hair.
    Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • With enough snow and sleet, the salt is diluted and cannot inhibit freezing.
    Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026
  • While vinegar and lemon juice work, they should be diluted with water before being used to treat hard water stains.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In the end, Johnson relied on a combination of White House pressure, late-night negotiations and a reluctant coalition of Republicans and Democrats who agreed that prolonging the shutdown would inflict unnecessary harm on federal workers and the broader economy.
    Nik Popli, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
  • With his multi-instrumentalist bandmates, PJ Moore and co-songwriter Robert Bell, Buchanan zooms into these exchanges to prolong them or dissembles them into jagged pieces that leave the bigger picture to us.
    Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Strong demand for dollars gives the US more influence in borrowing money overseas at low rates and imposing sanctions on other nations.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
  • For now, keepers are focused on giving mother and calf time to bond while closely monitoring the newborn’s progress.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extend. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.

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