The phrase "brings a close" suggests that something is ending or concluding. Therefore, the antonyms for this phrase would include "continues," "prolongs," "expands," "extends," and "carries on." These antonyms signify that something is ongoing and not coming to an end anytime soon. For example, if a project is continuing, it means that it is not finished yet and is still ongoing. Similarly, if a meeting is being prolonged, it means that it is going to be extended beyond the allotted time. These synonyms can be handy in situations where one wants to express that something is ongoing rather than coming to a conclusion.