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Definition of extendnext
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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

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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

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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 But for his dad and mom, the pride in Carson extends far beyond statistics and endorsements. Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026 Mathew Barzal also assisted, extending his point streak to three games. CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026 Stapleton first launched the All-American Road Show Tour in 2017 and has been extending it ever since. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2026 The House passed a bill on Thursday to extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced subsidies for three years by a vote of 230-196 with 17 Republicans voting with Democrats and defying GOP leaders. Lauren Peller, ABC News, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extend
Verb
  • The strands just brush her brows in the center and gradually lengthen towards the sides to blend in with the rest of her hair.
    María Munsuri, Glamour, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA) sets rules for how defendants can use classified evidence in court and can lengthen the pretrial process.
    Joe Hernandez, NPR, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Below, three interior designers share the color combos that look tacky today—plus offer modern alternatives.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 12 Jan. 2026
  • For her, the small acts help process loss and offer hope to others returning to empty lots.
    Sarah Alegre, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Flywing also plans to expand the competitive side of the platform.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Neutrality allowed the nation to build strength, expand westward, and avoid the ideological contagions sweeping the continent.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Abbey Schreacke led Missouri with 19 points, and Grace Slaughter added 12.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
  • In Wednesday’s loss to Grand Canyon, junior forward Andrew Meadow attempted just two shots from the field, neither from beyond the arc, despite being one of the Broncos’ best shooters and the team’s second-leading scorer.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The committee approved Lucas’s amendment and approved the recommendation to increase funding for the temporary jail.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Iwobi’s movement drags Ladislav Krejci wider, increasing the space between the lines and creating a clear passing angle for Calvin Bassey.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Those sums would likely be diluted, given baseball teams carry 26 players and NBA teams carry up to 15, but money is still money.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Just be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil before massaging it into sore spots.
    Iman Balagam, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The hardy parasite is also highly attuned to threats and responds with formidable defense mechanisms — prolonging a treatment process that’s already months to years long and often fraught with other hurdles and pain.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Humans who have prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds infected with HPAI are the most at risk of becoming infected.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Historically, the water’s purity was singular, giving life to a watershed that flourished because of a unique paucity of nutrients, a situation that hindered the pursuit of any single species that would dominate the rest.
    Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter This Utopia Bedding comforter keeps my bed looking super fluffy and cloud-like and gives my bedroom an expensive look.
    Genevieve Cepeda, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Extend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extend. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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