PROLONGING Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

Trump initially promised to end it in weeks, and Democrats, including Newsom, have criticized him for prolonging the conflict. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 7 Oct. 2026 Milk contains protein and carbohydrates, which slow digestion, prolonging the presence of water in the body. — Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026 Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also said foreign powers are central to prolonging the war. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 2026 Washing your robe is important from both a hygiene standpoint, as well as for prolonging its lifespan. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolonging

Noun

To find out which plants are native to your area, call the extension program at your local state university or visit Homegrown National Park, a nonprofit organization with information about creating backyard habitats.

— Karen Hugg, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
The recent Houthi escalation, however, is increasingly seen as an extension of Iran’s conflict with Washington.

— Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of extension

Verb

But for more formal occasions—and to achieve Middleton’s leg-lengthening spin on the look—I’m eyeing these heeled styles.

— Abby Moore, InStyle, 8 Oct. 2026
Like Middleton’s pair, these loafers have a sleek silhouette with tapered toe boxes that create a leg-lengthening effect.

— Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of lengthening

Verb

By transporting supplies, supporting reconnaissance activities, and assisting with casualty evacuation, unmanned ground vehicles can potentially reduce soldiers’ physical workload while extending their operational reach.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Atresmedia is extending the commercial life of its programming through deals with streaming platforms.

— Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of extending

Noun

There’s also a 24-hour gym, a light and airy place with multiple cardio machines, weight training equipment, and floor space for yoga, stretching, or floor exercises (and enough room to do so without impeding on anyone else’s space).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Then the team broke for stretching, and the coach went down the line asking how everyone felt.

— Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of stretching

Verb

By merging the two failing car companies, Marchionne created the seventh-largest vehicle manufacturer in the world, increasing Fiat’s value more than tenfold.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
The company has been gradually increasing its use of AI across back office and customer-facing roles and has introduced an AI chatbot to its website to help customers plan their trips.

— Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of increasing

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prolonged

prolonging

prolongs

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“Prolonging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolonging. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of prolonging

noun

verb

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