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

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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

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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

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as in to increase

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

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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

Examples 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 More often than not, clients come back for longer the next time or even end up asking to extend their time right from the table. —

Jackie Snow, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025 While the main focus remains education, Sea Beyond has recently extended its scope with two new areas of focus: support for scientific research dissemination and humanitarian projects, both dedicated to the ocean. —

Luisa Zargani, WWD, 8 Jan. 2025 In recent years, YouTube TV has extended its lead as the largest virtual cable TV provider. —

Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 8 Jan. 2025 Several school districts in the Kansas City metro have extended their closures and virtual days into Wednesday, after a blizzard swept through the area over the weekend. —

Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for extend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extend

Verb

As climate change lengthens the shipping season, Greenland occupies an important strategic location.

John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
Here are some tips for buying and storing the vegetables used in the following recipes, suggestions to help lengthen their freshness: Bell Peppers: Select those with glossy, smooth skin without soft spots or wrinkles.

Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 1 Jan. 2025