EXTEND Synonyms: 210 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'extend' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of extend are lengthen , prolong , and protract . While all these words mean "to draw out or add to so as to increase in length," 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

Q: When would 'prolong' be a good substitute for 'extend'?

The words prolong and extend can be used in similar contexts, but prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits. // prolonged illness

Q: How do 'protract' and 'prolong' relate to one another, in the sense of 'extend'?

Protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness. // protracted litigation

extend

verb

ik-ˈstend

Definition of extend next

as in to lengthen

to make longer our guests from out of town extended their visit by a week

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to offer

to put before another for acceptance or consideration the couple extended an invitation to join them for a get-together at their house after the concert

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to expand

to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area you can extend that chaise longue so that it lies completely flat

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to lead

to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction our backyard extends all the way to that brook

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to increase

to make greater in size, amount, or number embarked on a series of wars intended to extend his empire

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to dilute

to alter (something) for the worse with the addition of foreign or lower-grade substances the company extends its ice cream with thickeners and other additives

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb extend contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of extend are lengthen, prolong, and protract. While all these words mean "to draw out or add to so as to increase in length," 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

When would prolong be a good substitute for extend?

The words prolong and extend can be used in similar contexts, but prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits.

prolonged illness

How do protract and prolong relate to one another, in the sense of extend?

Protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness.

protracted litigation

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 extend Positioned as the brand’s first solvent-free shoe, the style extends Keen’s long-running Detox the Planet program into a fully modular build. —

Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026 The lavender-gray shadow extended far past the outer corner of her eye, almost to her temple, anchored by bold strokes of black eyeliner and minimal mascara. —

Kara Nesvig, Allure, 10 Feb. 2026 Paramount also extended the expiration date of its tender offer, with the revised terms, to March 2, 2026. —

Todd Spangler, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026 In January of 2021, the New START Treaty with Russia was extended for five years. —

Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extend

Verb

While that was to be only three weeks, Mohammadi’s time out of prison lengthened, possibly as activists and Western powers pushed Iran to keep her free.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Her medical furlough was initially to be for three weeks, but her time out of prison lengthened, possibly on account of activists and Western powers pushing Iran to keep her free.

— Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026

Definition of lengthen

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Style

“Extend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extend. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of extend

verb

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