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

Just as likely, the regime will hunker down under duress, prolonging its hold on power. —Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 12 June 2025

Such an outcome would likely prolong regional conflict and foreclose any possibility of further Arab-Israeli normalization in the near term. —Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2025

Read More: Rather than needing a method to cook these large amounts of meat, these early humans needed a way to prolong the availability and longevity of meat for consumption over time. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 5 June 2025

Many see the peace talks as a charade that both sides know will fail, prolonged only to avoid the ire and impatience of President Donald Trump. —Keir Simmons, NBC news, 3 June 2025