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

The drug also causes food to linger in the stomach, which prolongs the feeling of fullness. —Christina Stiehl, SELF, 23 Jan. 2026

If that break is prolonged, the metro will see snowfall totals closer to 4 inches. —Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2026

If the power is going to be out for longer than a day, put some food into coolers with ice to prolong their safe consumption. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Jan. 2026

Around Fort Worth, homeowners are scrambling to prepare their gardens for this weekend’s prolonged deep freeze, but imagine having more than 100 acres of precious plants, trees and shrubs to protect. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2026