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

One group is stepping in to help keep them healthy and prolong their careers. —March 6, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

That the Blues had to kick these moves down the road to the summer because Parayko used his no-trade clause and Armstrong couldn’t find anyone to meet his prices elsewhere only prolongs the pain. —Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026

The Colorado Avalanche are looking to prolong a three-game win streak with a victory over the Dallas Stars. —ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026

With their songs, colors, and variety, birds enrich our lives … and recent studies show that their immediate presence actually increases our well-being and happiness and can even prolong our lives! —Seth Borenstein, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026