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

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 prolong Advertisement Some systems, built on closed power, can prolong their survival. John Hope Bryant, Time, 6 Sep. 2025 Most pro wrestlers prolong their careers well beyond their prime, which makes Cena an outlier. Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2025 The technology ideally should be used for sectors that are difficult to decarbonize, such as cement production, aviation and agriculture, rather than to extend the life of polluting power plants or to prolong the use of oil and gas, Koberle said. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025 Simple jokes, clichés served up as a refreshing alcohol-free aperitif to prolong meetings without really getting to work. Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prolong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolong
Verb
  • Like any tubing mascara, Badi Lash wraps lashes in flexible, smudge-proof polymers that darken and lengthen them.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Earlier this year, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund proposed switching to semiannual reporting, reasoning that lengthening the time frame would allow companies to focus on the longer term.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Most recent direct interpretation is Labubu creator Kasing Lung’s collaboration with LVMH’s luxury bag brand Moynat but bigger picture, luxury’s charm offensive extends from Glossier to Balenciaga—both of which transformed recent product launches into key-chain charm versions.
    Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images The Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses have a sportier look than the Oakley Meta HSTN glasses thanks to a wraparound design that extends its colorful lenses around a person's temples.
    Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Start with once daily, and if your skin can handle it, gradually increase to two or three times per week.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • When a La Niña phase occurs, less wind shear occurs in the regions of the Atlantic basin where tropical weather develops, increasing the potential for more storms, AccuWeather said.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prolong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolong. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prolong

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