prolong

verb

pro·long prə-ˈlȯŋ

prolonged; prolonging; prolongs

Synonyms of prolong next

transitive verb

: to lengthen in time : continue

: to lengthen in extent, scope, or range

prolongation

(ˌ)prō-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgā-shən

prə-

noun

prolonger

prə-ˈlȯŋ-ər

noun

Choose the Right Synonym for prolong

extend, lengthen, prolong, protract 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

prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits.

prolonged illness

protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness.

protracted litigation

Examples of prolong in a Sentence

Additives are used to prolong the shelf life of packaged food. High interest rates were prolonging the recession.

Recent Examples on the Web Russia, predictably, hammered on what has become a key talking point — that U.S. assistance would do little more than prolong a bloody confrontation. —

Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2024 The Heat kept fouling to prolong the game, but the 76ers shot a perfect 12 of 12 from the foul line in the fourth quarter to hold on for the comeback win. —

Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prolong

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prolong.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French prolonguer, from Late Latin prolongare, from Latin pro- forward + longus long

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of prolong was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Prolong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prolong. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

prolong

verb

pro·long prə-ˈlȯŋ

: to make longer in time

prolonged the visit

Last Updated: 26 Apr 2024 - Updated example sentences

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prolong

verb

Synonyms

Examples of prolong in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near prolong

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition