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

Adding a food-grade absorbent pad such as a paper towel to the bottom of the container can help wick away any excess moisture, prolonging the life of the blossoms. — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026

Hinch directed questions about the timing of this move to the front office, but the Tigers clearly did not view any PPI possibilities as worth the cost of prolonging Clark’s ascension to the majors. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Saudi Arabia's leaders are trying to avoid further regional escalation that would risk miscalculation or prolonging of the war. — Margaret Brennan, CBS News, 30 July 2026

Reciprocally, Iran is helping Putin prolong his invasion of Ukraine. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 30 July 2026