Synonyms of prolong

prolong

verb

prə-ˈlȯŋ 

as in to lengthen

to make longer

would like to prolong our vacation by any means possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lengthen
• extend
• increase
• stretch
• protract
• elongate
• drag (out)
• draw out
• expand
• enlarge
• outstretch
• amplify
• attenuate
• thin

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shorten
• curtail
• cut
• reduce
• cut back
• decrease
• diminish
• lessen
• abridge
• abbreviate
• thicken

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

Examples of prolong in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Misty was a friendless creep, hence her surreptitious dismantling of the plane’s black box to prolong her adventure with the popular girls and her beloved coach. —Judy Berman, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024

Despite many advances in breast cancer treatment in the past few decades, which have prolonged life expectancy and improved the quality of life of those with the condition, the disease remains incredibly common, with rising rates of diagnosis among young women. —Alex Apatoff, People.com, 2 Oct. 2024

That's raising the possibility of new gas power plants and even prolonging the life of coal. —Nick Sobczyk, Axios, 27 Sep. 2024

Enriched with hydrating ingredients such as coconut oil and shea butter, this product deeply moisturizes your skin while prolonging your tan. —Rebecca Martinson, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2024