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 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 Just as Harrison took the Beatles to India, to prolong and expand their creative journey, Adam has done that for so many directors over the years. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 3 Dec. 2024 Similarly, despite any of being dishwasher-safe, hand-washing your pans will prolong their lifespans. Alaina Chou, Bon Appétit, 2 Dec. 2024 Yes, a bottle of red wine that’s been opened but unfinished can and should be stored in the fridge to prolong its shelf life, says Salyer, who notes that storing reds at a cool temperature slows the oxidation, which will keep the wine fresh for just a little longer. Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024 There’s no preserving this place, only prolonging its collapse. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prolong 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolong
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
Verb
  • Even if the owner extends beyond his comfort zone to retain Bregman — which remains a legitimate possibility — Tucker exists in a totally different echelon.
    Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 10 Dec. 2024
  • In Southeast Asia, Imax’s growth extends beyond Indonesia and Malaysia to Vietnam and the Philippines.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • By all measures, the company exceeded all expectations thanks to customer participation and decided to significantly increase the initial pledge to $11 million.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
  • The presence of dogs may also increase levels of distraction and stress for other, non-dog-toting employees.
    Jessica Pierce, TIME, 15 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near prolong

Cite this Entry

“Prolong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolong. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on prolong

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