prolonged 1 of 2

Definition of prolongednext

prolonged

2 of 2

verb

past tense of prolong

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 prolonged
Adjective
The blockade has led to an acute oil shortage in the country that was already facing economic collapse amid an energy crisis that was already plunging the country into daily prolonged blackouts. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026 Because individuals experience temperature differently, especially during prolonged cold spells, small adjustments within a reasonable range can make a home feel significantly more comfortable without sacrificing efficiency. Kamron Sanders, The Spruce, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
The film, which hits theaters April 17, follows a couple (Charli XCX and Will Madden) whose romantic getaway to Poland is prolonged by a volcanic eruption. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2026 The verdict signals that prolonged prone restraint during mental health crises is dangerous, potentially changing how juvenile detention centers handle distressed teens. Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prolonged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolonged
Adjective
  • What Moscow hoped, according to analysts, would be an elegant decapitation strike lasting mere days quickly became a protracted and bloody brawl.
    Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Read the latest updates from the protracted questioning here.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Holding periods across buyout funds have lengthened, and many assets remain fundamentally strong but difficult to exit at acceptable valuations.
    Sunaina Sinha Haldea, Fortune, 14 Feb. 2026
  • While that was to be only three weeks, Mohammadi’s time out of prison lengthened, possibly as activists and Western powers pushed Iran to keep her free.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In Yu’s view, persistent geopolitical tensions, ranging from trade rows to questions over supply-chain dependency, do affect the company’s plan, but their impact is expected to be short-term.
    Xiaoying You, semafor.com, 24 Feb. 2026
  • And many of our communities still experience persistent crime and violence, including domestic violence survivors, immigrants who fear reaching out for help, and working-class people.
    Jose Bernal, Oc Register, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Penn State extended its lead to 79-74 after a 15-foot jumper by McMiller.
    From wire reports, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Sanchez started with a sheer white base for this extra-long manicure and finished it with a striking silver chrome tip, extended into a delicate line design running down each nail.
    Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • In addition, there will be increased Tactical Marine Unit and Aircraft Operations Division operations along the border to detect and apprehend criminals, according to the governor’s office.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The number of serious attacks increased from 54 in 2023 to 83 in 2024 and 128 in 2025.
    AREF TUFAHA, Arkansas Online, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This solid, slightly-overlong watch is best at capturing how time and trauma turn daily life into valuable history.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
  • The pacing is overlong, removing much of the tension and excitement that make thrillers so fascinating to watch.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 27 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The findings come as Americans grapple with an affordability crisis that has stretched across a range of basic expenses, including food, electricity, insurance, health care and housing.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Trump has walked all over Congress but prior presidents of both parties have stretched the bounds of emergency powers.
    Karen Tumulty, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prolonged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolonged. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

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