extend

verb

ik-ˈstend How to pronounce extend (audio)
Definition of extendnext
1
as in to lengthen
to make longer our guests from out of town extended their visit by a week

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to offer
to put before another for acceptance or consideration the couple extended an invitation to join them for a get-together at their house after the concert

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to expand
to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area you can extend that chaise longue so that it lies completely flat

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to lead
to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction our backyard extends all the way to that brook

Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to increase
to make greater in size, amount, or number embarked on a series of wars intended to extend his empire

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to dilute
to alter (something) for the worse with the addition of foreign or lower-grade substances the company extends its ice cream with thickeners and other additives

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb extend contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of extend are lengthen, prolong, and protract. While all these words 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

When would prolong be a good substitute for extend?

The words prolong and extend can be used in similar contexts, but prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits.

prolonged illness

How do protract and prolong relate to one another, in the sense of extend?

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

protracted litigation

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of extend This proactive approach to pool maintenance ensures a safer swimming environment, clear blue water and extends the overall lifespan of the pool and its equipment.​ Many pool cleaners now cater to different water types, preferences and maintenance needs. —Jené Luciani Sena May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025 Hamas’ response to the US proposal demanded changes to three key areas, the source said: extending the ceasefire past 60 days, humanitarian assistance, and the positions to which Israeli troops will withdraw. —Ibrahim Dahman, CNN Money, 31 May 2025 The mobile app now extends its utility as a productivity tool. —Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 The bill extends Trump’s signature 2017 tax cuts and includes other revenue-cutting goodies like no taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security, with a potential price tag of more than $4.5 trillion. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for extend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extend
  1. lengthen
  2. offer
  3. expand
  4. lead
  5. increase
  6. dilute
  7. prolong
  8. give
Verb
  • The wait seemed endless, especially given all the compensatory picks that lengthened the seventh round.
    — Michael Silver, New York Times, 20 May 2025
  • And this oversized cut and loose silhouette suits Princess Kate particularly well; the high-waist fit visually lengthens her legs, while the angular cut of the blazer is confident and structured.
    — Lina-Marie Baatz, Glamour, 14 May 2025
Definition of lengthen
Verb
  • Remember, a tent offers no protection from lighting.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 June 2025
  • For investors watching the fintech space, Aether's approach offers a refreshing alternative to companies chasing the latest tech buzzwords.
    — Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Definition of offer
Verb
  • This expands on Stord’s 11 fulfillment nodes across 13 buildings in North America, as well as two locations in the U.K. and one in the Netherlands.
    — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 27 May 2025
  • Although based in Davie, NSU has expanded its reach across Florida — an achievement that strengthens its ability to address healthcare needs statewide.
    — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025
Definition of expand
Verb
  • As adoption grows, the firms that will lead are those combining digital tools with practical insight, treating AI not as a cure-all solution, but as part of a broader strategy to improve performance, manage complexity, and build for the long run.
    — Angelica Krystle Donati, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • Musk spent close to $300 million to send President Trump back to the White House, and has since been leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), slashing the size of the federal workforce.
    — Kate Rooney,Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Definition of lead
Verb
  • Whether that caution slows adoption or increases security maturity remains to be seen, but the message is unambiguous: the era of unchecked AI optimism in federal cybersecurity is over.
    — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • The company said an indicator light on the vehicle fails to light up and warn drivers of a traction control system or dynamic stability control system issue, increasing the likelihood of them crashing.
    — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Definition of increase
Verb
  • Han and Li’s student-teacher relationship in particular is diluted and lacks necessary grounding, and there’s little compelling friction between the two masters to make up for it.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 28 May 2025
  • Follow label directions to dilute the concentrate before spraying.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 May 2025
Definition of dilute
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the report noted that the lack of federal reforms, such as delays in rescheduling cannabis and changes to banking policies, has prolonged uncertainty.
    — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for stronger sanctions against Russia, saying Moscow’s aim is to prolong the war by rejecting ceasefire proposals.
    — Dragana Jovanovic, ABC News, 24 May 2025
Definition of prolong
Verb
  • But there are few substitutes for availability, and no player has given more to Spurs this season than Porro.
    — Elias Burke, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • This will give you adequate time to find the perfect viewing location and watch the sun glide between the skyscrapers.
    — Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 27 May 2025
Definition of give

Browse Nearby Words

extemporizing
extend
extended
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extend. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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