as in to lengthen
to make longer
the highway project was protracted by years of litigation
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of protract
Michigan’s winters are severe, protracted, and relentless.
—
Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 17 Jan. 2026
Migration, identity, and the future of the West At the heart of these tensions lies Europe’s protracted migration challenge.
—Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
One can definitely look forward to more focused product development, protracted timescales for characterization projects, and a much heavier focus on monetization right from day one.
—Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 5 Jan. 2026
But for now, the mutually agreed upon MOU marks a milestone in the two entities’ protracted negotiations over the terms of their working relationship.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for protract
Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 17 Jan. 2026
Migration, identity, and the future of the West At the heart of these tensions lies Europe’s protracted migration challenge.
—Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
One can definitely look forward to more focused product development, protracted timescales for characterization projects, and a much heavier focus on monetization right from day one.
—Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 5 Jan. 2026
But for now, the mutually agreed upon MOU marks a milestone in the two entities’ protracted negotiations over the terms of their working relationship.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for protract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protract
Verb
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The contrast between the dark shoes and the light denim creates a figure-lengthening balance that’s ideal for those who love basics with a street style star’s attitude.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
15 Feb. 2026
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Holding periods across buyout funds have lengthened, and many assets remain fundamentally strong but difficult to exit at acceptable valuations.—
Sunaina Sinha Haldea,
Fortune,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Kawhi Leonard made two free throws, but the Rockets scored the next four points to extend the lead.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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The vote on Tuesday sought to extend previous language that blocked tariff repeal resolutions from getting a vote, which expired at the end of January.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The researchers found that this therapy prolonged survival in patients with glioblastoma, the most common and malignant primary brain tumor.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
11 Feb. 2026
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The film, which hits theaters April 17, follows a couple (Charli XCX and Will Madden) whose romantic getaway to Poland is prolonged by a volcanic eruption.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The concern is not only the surge in killings, but the increasing brazenness with which they are carried out.—
Zeena Saifi,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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For example, rising temperatures have direct harms on health by increasing risk of dehydration and causing more stress on the heart.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Most people at the meeting, held over Microsoft Teams, expressed excitement at the potential for conservation in an area stretching from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance, plus 200 yards inland.—
Susanne Rust
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Feb. 2026
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Set the scene Arriving at Four Seasons Costa Palmas feels like driving toward a kasbah in Morocco—miles of stark desert stretch out on either side before the landscape suddenly opens to an oasis on the edge of the Sea of Cortez.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protract. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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