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

Her battle with the disease was nasty, brutish, and prolonged. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025

This process prolongs the time the virus can inhabit a host before an infection is cleared. —Hanna D. Paton, The Conversation, 15 Apr. 2025

Not all wars are conducted at such a high intensity as the Russian-Ukrainian war, but even prolonged irregular warfare can take a heavy toll, resulting in a growing sense of futility in addition to mounting costs. —Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025

Smith did not start Sunday’s series finale, prolonging what appears to be a pattern in his playing time. —Chandler Rome, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025