EXTENDABLE Synonyms: 210 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

extend

verb

ik-ˈstend

Definition of extend next

as in to lengthen

to make longer our guests from out of town extended their visit by a week

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to offer

to put before another for acceptance or consideration the couple extended an invitation to join them for a get-together at their house after the concert

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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

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as in to increase

to make greater in size, amount, or number embarked on a series of wars intended to extend his empire

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as in to dilute

to alter (something) for the worse with the addition of foreign or lower-grade substances the company extends its ice cream with thickeners and other additives

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Recent Examples of extend Their friendship extends beyond the classroom. —

Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026 The trade pact’s benefits extend beyond Africa’s borders, Zetts said. —

Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 19 May 2026 The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued a slight risk forecast, a level 2 of 5, for severe weather on Tuesday in an area that includes much of Indiana, much of Ohio, and extends into Michigan. —

Vytas Reid, CBS News, 19 May 2026 Another Ole Miss solo shot, this time by Austin Fawley in the second inning, extended the lead. —

Jace Denison, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for extend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extend

Verb

It’s made to lengthen, lift, and separate lashes without clumping, and comes in both soft black and rich brown.

— Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Ukraine has lengthened its striking arm and is now wreaking havoc across European Russia, much of which is now vulnerable to drone attacks.

— Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026