as in protracted
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Dissimilar Words
as in lengthened
to make longer
would like to prolong our vacation by any means possible
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prolonged
Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 11 Jan. 2026
Taiwan’s defense strategy is based on the assumption that the island nation would not be able to resist Chinese forces in a conventional war for a prolonged period.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 Dec. 2025
So that naturally prolonged the shooting for another year.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prolonged
Adjective
This week’s strikes came as the conflict grinds through its fourth winter, plunging cities into prolonged energy blackouts while temperatures dip well below freezing and are forecast to drop further.
—Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 11 Jan. 2026
Taiwan’s defense strategy is based on the assumption that the island nation would not be able to resist Chinese forces in a conventional war for a prolonged period.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
Stewart’s pain was prolonged because the game didn’t end in the 48 regulation minutes.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 Dec. 2025
So that naturally prolonged the shooting for another year.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prolonged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolonged
Adjective
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Violent conflicts have been erupting at a brisk frequency, getting bloodier, and more protracted.—
Galip Dalay,
Time,
6 Jan. 2026
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South Africa — which is embroiled in a protracted dispute with the US over Pretoria’s Black empowerment laws, among other issues — went further, calling Washington’s move a violation of the UN Charter.—
Alexis Akwagyiram,
semafor.com,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The roll-up top can be lengthened or tightened to fit your skis, accommodating up to two pairs of skis that are 203 centimeters long, as well as all the gear needed—from helmets and boots to gloves and ski gear.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Dec. 2025
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Voices have dropped; IMDb pages have lengthened.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
27 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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But the discharges also can overwhelm the delicate estuaries east and west of the state’s largest lake and, during the warm summer months, spread blooms of toxic algae, an issue that has become more persistent in recent years.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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In Bug, Carrie Coon's Agnes White — an Oklahoma waitress too exhausted to outrun her past — faces a more persistent threat.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Despite its age, MAVEN has enough fuel to remain in orbit until at least 2030, and the mission was formally extended in 2022 through September 2025.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
16 Jan. 2026
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The tender deadline was extended once and Paramount’s counsel acknowledged at the hearing today that it will be extended again but did not note the new date.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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When the front door opens, they’re greeted by an androgynous person with longish hair, thick eyebrows and a deep voice.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
2 Aug. 2025
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Pontiac’s Firebird had a longish life in car years, with four generations spanning 1967 to 2002.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
27 June 2025
Verb
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The Wolverines increased their lead to 42 with less than a minute left in the fourth.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
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And while famine has not yet emerged, food insecurity has increased, with most Cubans eating a limited diet and skipping meals.—
Joseph J. Gonzalez,
Fortune,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The pacing is overlong, removing much of the tension and excitement that make thrillers so fascinating to watch.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
27 Dec. 2025
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For instance, while most of the movie is about the title character, a 34-year-old lieutenant governor played by Emma Mackey, there is an overlong subplot about Ella’s younger brother, Casey (Spike Fearn), that encapsulates the tonal dysfunction of the movie.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The law requires presidents to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying forces and to end military action within 60 to 90 days absent authorization — limits that presidents of both parties have routinely stretched.—
Joey Cappelletti,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Jan. 2026
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State officials say the program is a way to reduce costs, prevent medication lapses, and ease the burden on doctors, particularly in rural areas where clinicians are already stretched thin.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prolonged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolonged. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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