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protract

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 The program was made possible with a fast-acting First Emergency Response grant from Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises in the UN. Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 President Nixon’s behavior caused grave tensions between the three branches of government, but the buildup was protracted and gradual. Mattathias Schwartz, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025 The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) protracted and byzantine process for issuing Starship launch licenses to SpaceX, critical for Starship lunar lander development, is an example. John Kross, Space.com, 3 Feb. 2025 Lynch’s staging is, agonizingly at times, protracted. Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for protract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protract
Verb
  • Listen to this article The assumption when San Diego State added transfer Hunter Green to the roster is that Green would join the lengthening line of standout Aztecs punters.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025
  • All-Star left fielder Jurickson Profar, whom the Braves signed in free agency, lengthens their lineup even further.
    Jim Bowden, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Holland and Sasser will be suspended for one game, and Stewart will be suspended for two games. Oklahoma City aims to extend its 10-game winning streak as the Thunder face off against the Detroit Pistons.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The final minutes of the horror movie show her being engulfed in darkness until a match is struck, revealing a candle with someone’s hand extended over the flame.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • These developments have unjustifiably prolonged this investigation and raise questions about the actual purpose of the proceeding.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Rabinowitz and other experts say both Republicans and Democrats are undermining Housing First by criminalizing homelessness and conducting encampment sweeps that hinder the ability of front-line workers to get people into housing and services, prolonging their homelessness.
    Angela Hart, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The change was stark, as Paramount has been a leader in promoting diversity in Hollywood, championing initiatives to increase representation on-screen through programming as well as behind the scenes, through programs designed to diversify writers, directors and producers.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In the fall, that amount was increased with no new funding attached, and now each subsidy is about 20% more expensive.
    Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Tree, grass and weed pollen each have different seasons, with peaks stretching from the spring all the way into the fall.
    Mark Gongloff, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the narrow window the ice-diving season in Canada lasts, stretching from January to mid-March, Ryzebol makes the most of it — and pushes his limits each time, from eight-plus minute breath holds to over 200-foot dives down.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Protract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protract. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on protract

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