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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in lengthening
to make longer
would like to prolong our vacation by any means possible
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of prolonging
New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Trump criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and congressional Democrats for prolonging the impasse.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Solutions like breathable film packaging and smart logistics play a crucial role in reducing waste and prolonging shelf life.
—William Jones, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The judges also now try to cram multiple cases into a time block that previously would’ve been reserved for one case, attorneys said, prolonging and straining the rare individualized — and critical — court hearings that often determine an immigrant’s fate.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
The prime minister’s critics, including some hostage families, have long accused him of prolonging the war to distract from multiple political scandals, at the expense of recovering the hostages.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial has been looming in the backdrop of the war, with opponents accusing the Israeli prime minister of prolonging the conflict to delay his own legal proceedings.
—Yamiche Alcindor, NBC news, 14 Oct. 2025
The Prime Minister’s critics, even within his coalition, have long accused him of prolonging the war for political survival.
—Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Oct. 2025
Some cautioned that another prime minister picked from the ranks of Macron's fragile centrist camp would risk being disavowed by Parliament's powerful lower house, prolonging the crisis.
—NPR, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
The prolonging of the war has also ratcheted up Israel’s isolation on the world stage.
—New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
Those wins may cause Democrats to dig their heels in even more, potentially prolonging the shutdown.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Trump criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and congressional Democrats for prolonging the impasse.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Solutions like breathable film packaging and smart logistics play a crucial role in reducing waste and prolonging shelf life.
—William Jones, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The judges also now try to cram multiple cases into a time block that previously would’ve been reserved for one case, attorneys said, prolonging and straining the rare individualized — and critical — court hearings that often determine an immigrant’s fate.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
The prime minister’s critics, including some hostage families, have long accused him of prolonging the war to distract from multiple political scandals, at the expense of recovering the hostages.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial has been looming in the backdrop of the war, with opponents accusing the Israeli prime minister of prolonging the conflict to delay his own legal proceedings.
—Yamiche Alcindor, NBC news, 14 Oct. 2025
The Prime Minister’s critics, even within his coalition, have long accused him of prolonging the war for political survival.
—Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Oct. 2025
Some cautioned that another prime minister picked from the ranks of Macron's fragile centrist camp would risk being disavowed by Parliament's powerful lower house, prolonging the crisis.
—NPR, 10 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolonging
Noun
-
Darbin Wofford, deputy director of health care for the centrist Democratic group Third Way, said even if there’s an agreement that reopens the government without a subsidy extension, Republicans already own the consequences.—
Nathaniel Weixel,
The Hill,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The Clippers rewarded the 36-year-old point guard with a two-year, $81 million contract extension.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The soil is warming, days are lengthening, and new roots have months to establish before winter.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Intuitive Machines believes this system will degrade more slowly, lengthening operational lifespans.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Consider Tupperware’s FridgeSmart Container Set your secret weapon to extending the life of your produce, organizing your food, and adding money back to your pocket.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Schumer, who voted against the package, had pressed for a guarantee on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, a Democratic demand that was ultimately not met in the deal.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Heart rate decreases during stretching, which could signify the body entering a calm state.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Yoga, stretching, and extra sleep (past all the snoozes) become their own kind of training.—
JamiLee Hoglind,
Outside,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Many are pulling six-day work weeks with mandatory overtime, and increasing numbers have begun calling out as the financial strain and exhaustion mount.—
JOSH FUNK,
Arkansas Online,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The military is striking the boats at the same time the administration is applying increasing pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.—
NPR,
NPR,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prolonging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolonging. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
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