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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prolong

Article does caution against chemical cleaners and prolonged direct sunlight, but that feels par for the course with velvet. —Zoë Sessums, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025

Failures can cost billions, and with decommissioning expenses projected to exceed $100 billion by 2030, prolonging the life of existing assets has become critical. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025

For patients and providers, this fire hose of information could equate to life-saving breakthroughs—a new biomarker, a novel dosing schedule or a survival-prolonging treatment. —Anna Forsythe, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Inside, lawmakers milled around the Senate chamber as a long day threatened to be prolonged. —Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2025