PROLONG Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: How are the words 'protract' and 'prolong' related?

Protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness. // protracted litigation

prolong

verb

prə-ˈlȯŋ

Definition of prolong next

as in to lengthen

to make longer would like to prolong our vacation by any means possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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Recent Examples of prolong Israel had instructed Hamas to release Yehud this week amid concerns that her captivity may be prolonged as she is believed to be held by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group, not Hamas. —

Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 24 Jan. 2025 Nor would officials answer questions about penalties for permit violations or prolonging the inspection process. —

Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025 Any other course would prolong the substantial, nationwide chilling effect caused by §441b’s corporate expenditure ban. —

Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 24 Jan. 2025 Russia’s war against Ukraine: The president blamed high oil prices for prolonging the conflict. —

Jackie Snow, Quartz, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for prolong

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolong

Verb

Their trade for Jesús Luzardo raises the ceiling of their back-end starters, lengthening the rotation even before top prospect Andrew Painter is called up to the majors.

— Chad Jennings, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
My complexion was pore-less, my lashes were lengthened, but my brows looked meh.

— Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Feb. 2025