prolonging 1 of 2

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

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
The contract deadline for union security workers at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and their maritime employers has been pushed back to Friday, again prolonging the threat of a potential strike at the San Pedro Bay docks. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026 Trump had previously accused Iran of prolonging the war in an effort to damage Republican midterm prospects. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 5 Nov. 2026 Unlike supplements or drinks that may provide a quick burst of energy followed by a crash, the nutrients found in almonds provide a more sustained source of fuel—slowing digestion and prolonging steady energy without the blood sugar level spikes. — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 2 Nov. 2026 Many also blame Netanyahu for not prioritizing the release of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza and prolonging the war there. — Dov Waxman, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026 The Chicago Department of Transportation says its work on the Lake Street Bridge project will need additional time to complete, prolonging Green and Pink Line service disruptions. — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 Bolsonaro has already challenged the results, prolonging the political flux and adding fresh pressure to the currency. — Marta Biino, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Trump has accused the Ukrainian president of not wanting peace, while Zelenskyy has argued that Washington's easing of sanctions on Russia, including a deal on diesel, risks prolonging the conflict. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 Many of his domestic critics have faulted him for prolonging the war in Gaza to appease his far-right allies, and for permitting ultra-Orthodox Jews to forgo military service to appease that sizable religious voter bloc. — Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolonging
Noun
  • Fresh off a max contract extension, Reaves has had a quiet yet ruthlessly efficient start to the year in Doncic’s shadow.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Congress should fund extensions to fellowships and training grants, bridge support for early-career laboratories and opportunities for displaced researchers to resume their work.
    — Carole LaBonne, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Just minutes into public testimony, the livestream crashed, lengthening the meeting by about an hour until it was restored.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 6 Nov. 2026
  • So far, fall 2026 has been filled with sleek, low-profile loafers, leg-lengthening boots, and fresh takes on classic ballet flats, to name a few.
    — Melony Forcier, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Also, ibogaine’s prolongation of the heart’s QT intervals carries a real risk of fatal arrhythmia.
    — Michelle Lhooq, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The prolongation was 242 days in 2023 and 346 days in 2024, according to the report.
    — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Currently, to meet the massive capital requirements of AI infrastructure, American tech giants are expanding financing channels into overseas markets like Europe while extending bond maturities.
    — , CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Dark black kohl rimmed her eyes before extending into a wing, in a style reminiscent of Egyptian royalty.
    — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Walking, dancing, stretching, and other regular physical activities are equally sensible places to start.
    — Marie Bladt, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Further north, the coastal flood advisory has been extended through Friday in the Bay Area, with the advisory stretching inland into portions of Sonoma County along river banks.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Moon’s priorities for another term included expanding students’ access to mental health services, improving teacher recruitment and retention, and increasing career technical education opportunities.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Figma is increasing its focus on cybersecurity, said Dylan Field, Figma's co-founder and CEO.
    — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prolonging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolonging. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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