Synonyms of prolonging

prolonging 1 of 2

noun

as in extension

the act of making longer

his habitual prolonging of any task so that it fills up an entire afternoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

• extension
• prolongation
• stretching
• lengthening
• elongation
• drawing out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shortening
• curtailment
• abbreviation
• cutback
• abridgment

prolonging

2 of 2

verb

present participle of prolong

as in lengthening

to make longer

would like to prolong our vacation by any means possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lengthening
• extending
• increasing
• stretching
• elongating
• protracting
• dragging (out)
• drawing out
• expanding
• enlarging
• amplifying
• outstretching
• attenuating
• thinning

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• curtailing
• shortening
• cutting
• reducing
• decreasing
• diminishing
• lessening
• cutting back
• abridging
• abbreviating
• thickening

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prolonging

Noun

Looking ahead, Trump’s prolonging of Chavismo is a political gamble in Florida – a state where many Latin Republican voters despise the system and any dealing with socialist governments. — Paul Webster Hare, The Conversation, 19 Jan. 2026

The prolonging of the war has also ratcheted up Israel’s isolation on the world stage. — New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

Verb

As American leaders increasingly seek short, decisive military operations, the United States may increasingly confront adversaries that see advantages in prolonging conflicts. — Nadia Schadlow, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2026

More than 5,000 migrants have remained in Ceuta, prolonging a humanitarian crisis that has become a political liability for Sánchez in Spain and beyond. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

But El Niño amplifies the flames by prolonging dry conditions, lowering water levels in the peatland and turning plants into tinder. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

This will help keep your baking powder dry, prolonging its shelf life. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2026

Thirty-six of Brown’s 101 pitches were sinkers, prolonging a seismic shift for a pitcher known for a menacing four-seam fastball. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Additionally, Oaks Park evacuated the park without providing traffic control, which delayed first responders from being able to enter the park quickly in an emergency, prolonging suffering. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026

When prolonging the time around the table, a gin and tonic is typically the digestive drink of choice, although rum and coke would come in a close second. — Marti Buckley, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026

Adding a food-grade absorbent pad such as a paper towel to the bottom of the container can help wick away any excess moisture, prolonging the life of the blossoms. — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026