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 Global health workers trained by US foreign assistance not only saved lives during Covid-19 but prevented variants from prolonging the pandemic. Jennifer Lotito, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 Terminating the sanitation contract could result in a lapse in the quality of care, which could prolong the receivership, Ambrose wrote in a August 2024 letter extending the agreement until February 2025. Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2025 Our report found that the Flores Settlement Agreement was violated many times during the first Trump Administration, prolonging and exacerbating the severe health impacts children experienced while in custody. Dolores K. Schroeder, Time, 30 Apr. 2025 These medicines can delay cancer growth and prolong a person’s life.2 Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is another option when hormone treatments are no longer working. Jamin Brahmbhatt, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prolong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolong
Verb
  • Their work emphasizes that with lengthening lifespans, Americans will face multiple career transitions and need continual skill renewal.
    Alison Griffin, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Listen to this article CARLSBAD — Dianna Lee settled over a 4-foot put on the 18th green in the lengthening shadows Wednesday evening at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s North Course.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Getting that confirmation extends Joel and Ellie’s conversation from a roughly four-and-a-half-minute cutscene to almost an eight-minute scene in the HBO series.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 20 May 2025
  • Often complete with a heel that signified status, the riding-style leather boots could be extended fully, reaching the upper thighs, or folded down into cuffs.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Autism rates increased, again: But RFK Jr. diverges from CDC report about the reason.
    Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Process syrup, fresh basil leaves, lime juice, water, and ice cubes in a blender on low speed, gradually increasing speed, until thick and slushy, about 45 seconds.
    Elizabeth Mervosh, Southern Living, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prolong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolong. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prolong

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