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 WebEnriched with hydrating ingredients such as coconut oil and shea butter, this product deeply moisturizes your skin while prolonging your tan.—Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 2 July 2024 The first round of France’s snap legislative elections has narrowed the possible outcomes to two — both of which presage prolonged uncertainty for investors.—Kris Nagel, Fortune, 1 July 2024 Streamers including Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV+ are active in the market but commission in small volume as the global streamer correction is prolonged.—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 June 2024 As demand for the surgery has increased, more and more players have flocked to Meister’s clinic in Arlington for a fix that could prolong their careers.—Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 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
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