prolong

verb

pro·​long prə-ˈlȯŋ How to pronounce prolong (audio)
prolonged; prolonging; prolongs
Synonyms of prolongnext

transitive verb

1
: to lengthen in time : continue
2
: to lengthen in extent, scope, or range
prolongation
(ˌ)prō-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce prolong (audio) prə- How to pronounce prolong (audio)
noun
prolonger
prə-ˈlȯŋ-ər How to pronounce prolong (audio)
noun

Synonyms of prolong

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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
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.
Regular cleaning will help keep them from clogging and prolong their life. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 Make sure to deadhead spent blooms in order to prolong their flowering, and cut them back in late fall or early spring. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026 While chances for thunderstorms later in the week could cool off the area in time for the July 4th holiday, any reduced storm coverage could prolong the hot stretch. — Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 Restrictions that prevent Ukraine from striking legitimate military targets only help Russia preserve sanctuary, mass forces, and prolong the war. — David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prolong

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

Rhymes for prolong

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Browse Nearby Words

prologue
prolong
prolongable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prolong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prolong. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prolong

verb
pro·​long prə-ˈlȯŋ How to pronounce prolong (audio)
: to make longer in time
prolonged the visit

More from Merriam-Webster on prolong

Nglish: Translation of prolong for Spanish Speakers

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