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

Trump’s rejection is set to prolong the countries’ uneasy stalemate in the Strait of Hormuz. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 10 May 2026

The years have not healed Don Ryce‘s pain, only prolonged it. —Amy Driscoll, Miami Herald, 3 May 2026

Florida also was still shifting from being a tourism and agriculture state to a more high-tech state, Cox said, which also prolonged the process. —Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026

But some experts warned that Timmy's health had been compromised to the point that a return to open waters might simply delay the animal's inevitable death and prolong its suffering. —Alana Wise, NPR, 2 May 2026