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

Fires are migrating to higher latitudes as climate change prolongs heatwaves and drought conditions in more parts of the world. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 1 June 2026

Meanwhile, prolonged losing streaks continue to make Cubs fans ill, no matter the time, players, manager or top executives. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026

The green beans provide shade, prolonging the spinach growing season by preventing bolting and excess sun exposure. —Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 27 May 2026

However, gaming laptops can get very hot since running a PC game uses a lot of power, so cooling pads can help prevent overheating and prolong your laptop’s life. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 May 2026