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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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

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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 Boaters should be aware of the extreme winds, expected to be strongest in the area extending from Ventura to Malibu and offshore to the Channel Islands. —

Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024 According to Blackburn, the University of Utah’s contributions to the gaming industry extend back to pioneering work in 3-D graphics, including the creation of the first 3-D graphics image and the development of early flight simulators by companies such as Evans & Sutherland. —

Chris Dilella,andrea Day, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024 In Southeast Asia, Imax’s growth extends beyond Indonesia and Malaysia to Vietnam and the Philippines. —

Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Dec. 2024 When the yacht is anchored, the gunwales around the stern flip down and the platform extends down into the water (ideal for tender operations), for an excellent waterfront living area. —

Katia Damborsky, Robb Report, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for extend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extend

Verb

Stress can also alter hormone levels, which can shorten or lengthen your cycle.15 Birth control methods like hormonal contraceptive pills often shorten your cycle to a specific timeline.

Carley Millhone, Health, 13 Dec. 2024
By Stephen Kearse December 8, 2024 8:00 AM EST Streaming has mutated the album as a format over the past decade, lengthening tracklists, shifting where likely hits get placed, and chipping away at song runtimes.

Stephen Kearse, TIME, 8 Dec. 2024