Definition of extendnext
1
2
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
6

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 And that air of secrecy extended through today's launch; the company cut off its webcast about 10 minutes after liftoff, a practice usually associated with national security missions. Mike Wall, Space.com, 23 June 2026 Global stocks extended losses on Tuesday in a sell-off driven by chipmakers and other tech companies that have recently benefited from market enthusiasm for the prospects of artificial intelligence. Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 23 June 2026 The frustration extends well beyond the Oversight Board’s comment process. Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 23 June 2026 The five-in-five language also is included in Senate legislation intended to address numerous concerns across college sports and comes after a wave of lawsuits from athletes seeking to extend their college careers and ability to earn money through revenue sharing and name, image and likeness deals. ABC News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for extend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extend
Verb
  • These large-range movements keep your body moving through the stretch, shortening and lengthening your muscles.
    Hannah Harper, Health, 1 July 2026
  • The hunting season has been lengthened by nearly two months, and there is no bag limit on does.
    Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • The Daily News has reached out to the festival — which began June 21 and runs through Saturday, where Artistic Director Marcel Jean will offer his condolences.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
  • Notably, 25% of employers currently offer hybrid work to employees.
    Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Love’s Travel Stops just expanded its service offerings for RVs, including light maintenance, battery replacement and tire replacement.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • California's new personal finance graduation requirement The lessons come as California prepares to expand financial education statewide.
    Conor McGill, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani leads the NL in votes received, which would give him the automatic starting spot at DH should that lead hold into Thursday, knocking Schmitt out of contention.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
  • Mbappé’s brace led les Bleus to a 3-0 victory in Philadelphia as France had to battle Iraq and Mother Nature.
    David K. Li, NBC news, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • The rent on our apartment has increased by about 70% over the past six years.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026
  • Angels reliever Ryan Zeferjahn (4-3) struck out two in a scoreless seventh to earn the win and increase his hitless streak to 10 innings, with 19 strikeouts, over his last nine appearances.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • The expansion was supposed to dilute the product.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • However, stubborn inflation continues to dilute some of this momentum.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • After refining, gasoline travels through pipelines, ships, trucks and fuel terminals before landing at filling stations, further prolonging higher prices for consumers.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026
  • On the other hand, prolonged inactivity due to illness, immobilization or a sedentary lifestyle can lead to bone loss.
    Priya Bhardwaj, The Conversation, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Seoul — North Korea on Tuesday commissioned its largest-ever warship, a 5,000-ton destroyer that military analysts say could give Pyongyang’s adversaries something more to think about in a time of crisis.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • Dewey Burdock also joined the Fast-41 permitting program last year, giving it access to an accelerated federal review process reserved for priority infrastructure and critical mineral projects.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extend. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on extend

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster