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.
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Washington blames Hamas for prolonging the war and obstructing humanitarian aid.—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025 To prolong your stay in this natural wonderland, look to organizations such as United Planet and Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, which also offers opportunities to work on conservation projects or in social services.—Sarah Sekula, USA Today, 25 July 2025 But prolonged uncertainty over what Trump might do has left companies wary about committing to further investment in China.—Elaine Kurtenbach, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025 These methods will prolong shelf life and maintain optimal flavor and texture.
Peaches and nectarines contain high levels of micronutrients, particularly vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, niacin, magnesium, and phosphorus.—Hannah Coakley, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025 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
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