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

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