protract

Definition of protractnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb protract contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of protract are extend, lengthen, and prolong. While all these words mean "to draw out or add to so as to increase in length," protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness.

protracted litigation

How are the words extend and lengthen related as synonyms of protract?

Both 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

Where would prolong be a reasonable alternative to protract?

In some situations, the words prolong and protract are roughly equivalent. However, prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits.

prolonged illness

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 protract And nobody has ever designed a reactor for the moon, a hostile volcanic desert subject to extreme temperature swings, frequent asteroid strikes and protracted quakes. Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 19 May 2026 After some protracted legal drama, Subnautica 2 is finally about to launch. Jay Peters, The Verge, 30 Apr. 2026 The back-and-forth between Kehoe and Johnson offered a window into a yearslong, protracted debate over Missouri’s gun laws, among the loosest in the nation. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026 Know More Hochstein noted that complex nuclear deals involve protracted negotiations on issues such as verification, enrichment levels, and reporting. J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for protract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protract
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
  • Junior Caminero has already done some things no Rays players had ever accomplished, such as extending his sizzling power show on Friday to include hitting 10 home runs over a 10-game span.
    Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026
  • With runners on second and third, in a 1-2 count, Pages extended to the outside edge of the plate to get around a slider and send it through the left side of the infield.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 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
  • The state also has goals, including some that have been in place since 2012, that set declining limits on smog-causing pollutants and required automakers to sell increasing percentages of electric and hybrid vehicles through 2025.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • The news came a day before Liz reported on Hong Kong’s beleaguered cinema market finally having an upturn, with overall box office revenues increasing by 25% thanks to a strong line-up of local and Hollywood releases.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Autumn is when the crowds thin and your dollar stretches further.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Dozens of people sat in lawn chairs in front of the big screen, cheering as the Bosnia and Herzegovina national anthem played, while others stood in a long line that stretched out of the front door to buy cakes, pastries and pitas.
    Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Protract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protract. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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