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

According to Ellis, cashmere deserves its own storage solution and this two-pack, which includes one 15-inch and one 18-inch bag, is the perfect sweater saver that will protect and prolong the life of your cashmere. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2025

And that's because the president believes that giving Ukraine those missiles would prolong the war rather than end it. —NBC news, 19 Oct. 2025

Republicans in Washington have accused the protesters of prolonging the govenment shutdown, as well as hating America, being terrorists or belonging to Antifa, a loose group of anti-fascists. —Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025

Critics argue that deploying clean tech to produce fossil fuels prolongs the life of carbon-emitting infrastructure. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025