as in to lengthen
to make longer
the highway project was protracted by years of litigation
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Recent Examples of protract
The reversal was the first step in what will likely be a long, protracted set of legal proceedings.
—
Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
That all changed a year ago, when Mohamed — now a rambunctious 13-year-old — was able to enter an innovative self-learning program delivered by UNICEF with funding from Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises hosted by UNICEF.
—Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
In its final episodes, the show builds to a climax that’s protracted over several episodes, drawing out the series’ ideas about masculinity, rage, and forgiveness.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
Investing in and becoming Chair of Sipur is her first big move since Paramount’s protracted and high-profile $8B Skydance merger.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for protract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protract
Verb
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The strands just brush her brows in the center and gradually lengthen towards the sides to blend in with the rest of her hair.—
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The Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA) sets rules for how defendants can use classified evidence in court and can lengthen the pretrial process.—
Verb
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Hardware proven beyond Earth That validation already extends into space.—
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These shifts extend beyond demographics to governance itself.—
Verb
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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.—
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Humans who have prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds infected with HPAI are the most at risk of becoming infected.—
Verb
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The committee approved Lucas’s amendment and approved the recommendation to increase funding for the temporary jail.—
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Iwobi’s movement drags Ladislav Krejci wider, increasing the space between the lines and creating a clear passing angle for Calvin Bassey.—
Verb
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Just as Victor appeared to break open, Jackson leaped into the air, stretched his right arm skyward and pulled down a dazzling one-handed catch at the 3-yard line.—
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Brandon Fried, executive director of the Airforwarders Association, which represents hundreds of air cargo companies, said flight reductions will worsen the disruption already being felt across the aviation sector as the federal government shutdown stretches on.—
Cite this Entry
“Protract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protract. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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