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 Israel could escalate to try to end the war more swiftly and avoid prolonging losses. Chuck Freilich, Twin Cities, 27 June 2025 On one hand, incremental AI rollouts have prolonged the iPhone upgrade cycle. Zev Fima, CNBC, 24 June 2025 This may be an accurate reflection of Trump’s intentions, but even that decision would carry major risks, including Iranian retaliation against U.S. military facilities in the Gulf or terrorist attacks against Americans abroad, which could prolong and deepen U.S. involvement in Iran. Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2025 But for some people prolonged rest can seriously put their spine through the wringer, causing a painful stiffness that only movement can soothe. Katie Camero, SELF, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for prolong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolong
Verb
  • Think a Wi-Fi enabled security camera, Kindle e-reader, an Anker power bank to lengthen your phone’s battery life, and more—no coupon needed.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 30 June 2025
  • For corporate treasury desks, this means hedging windows must lengthen and broaden.
    Guney Yildiz, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • The urgency driving these conversations extends beyond the tech titans racing to build machine consciousness.
    Gabriel Snyder, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • The shift extends beyond just remote work opportunities.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Establishing a medical school here is expected to increase the likelihood of graduates practicing in the area, while addressing a national shortage of physicians.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • Research from the study Embrace the Sun with Dr. Grant Lambert shows brain serotonin production increases along with several other health benefits linked directly to sunlight exposure.
    Charell G. Coleman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prolong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolong. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prolong

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