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

However, home plate umpire Derek Thomas, who previously ejected Aaron Boone for arguing a correct strike call in the third inning, ruled the pitch a ball and prolonged Smith’s at-bat. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 10 Aug. 2025

Waiting for perfect policy alignment or consumer enlightenment exacerbates the crisis and prolongs the speed of progress. —MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025

Rain and prolonged humid conditions also contribute to blossom drop. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2025

This system is less about potentially upgrading parts in the future to prolong life and more about a super-compact machine ordered to your needs. —PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2025