Synonyms of prolong

prolong

verb

prə-ˈlȯŋ 

as in to lengthen

to make longer

would like to prolong our vacation by any means possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lengthen
• extend
• increase
• stretch
• protract
• elongate
• drag (out)
• draw out
• expand
• enlarge
• outstretch
• amplify
• attenuate
• thin

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shorten
• curtail
• cut
• reduce
• cut back
• decrease
• diminish
• lessen
• abridge
• abbreviate
• thicken

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb prolong contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prolong are extend, lengthen, and protract. While all these words mean "to draw out or add to so as to increase in length," prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits.

prolonged illness

How do extend and lengthen relate to one another, in the sense of prolong?

Both 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

How are the words protract and prolong related?

Protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness.

protracted litigation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prolong

Marsch and Canada prolonged their decision to name the starting goalkeeper. —Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 4 June 2026

This helps prolong the shelf life of the food, maximizing the flavor and quality of the vegetables. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 3 June 2026

The Starliner saga dominated headlines for months after its June 2024 launch when issues with the spacecraft prolonged the stay of the two astronauts who crewed it at the International Space Station. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 June 2026

The idea here is to dissuade teams from prolonging their rebuilds. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 2 June 2026