Synonym Chooser

How does the verb prolong contrast with its synonyms?

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

prolonged illness

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

Both 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

How are the words protract and prolong related?

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 prolong An open question is how many of those workers find new jobs, how many experience prolonged unemployment, and how many exit the workforce entirely. Neil Irwin, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025 The Golden State Warriors, for example, was frequently a franchise that paid out huge roster sums, and thus tax bills, to prolong their championship window. Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025 An Illinois man is facing several charges, including for murder, in connection with allegations that prolonged abuse and torture led to the death of his 16-year-old stepson. Landon Mion, Fox News, 22 Feb. 2025 That Warren is big and physical enough to play inline also could save George Kittle some of those snaps and prolong his career. Zac Jackson, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prolong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolong
Verb
  • For Carpenter, the dress was lengthened to incorporate an elegant and dramatic train.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Their normal top-flight shot-distance average is from 15 metres but against Liverpool, that lengthens to 17.6m, which reduces the likelihood of scoring.
    Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Congress faces a deadline Friday to extend funding for the federal government through the end of the fiscal year Sept. 30 or risk a partial shutdown.
    Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The victory extended Ankalaev’s unbeaten streak to 14 straight fights.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • His administration is also insisting such levies will not increase inflation, while encouraging allies to introduce tariffs on China as well.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Israel has also increased public funding for projects by Israeli filmmakers from West Bank settlements — the very enterprise that the film No Other Land criticizes as taking over Palestinian homes and land.
    Nuha Musleh, NPR, 3 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prolong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolong. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prolong

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