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 Even when cases of public console hacking have led to protracted legal fights—such as George Hotz's saga with the PS3 or Team Xecuter's Switch jailbreaks—console makers don't seem to have used technical means to completely disable offline functions for specific consoles. ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025 For Beijing, a larger-scale, protracted war would be too costly. Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025 Four days later, following complicated and protracted search and rescue efforts, the bodies of seven victims were found. David Chiu, People.com, 12 May 2025 The women’s team were demoted to the fifth tier of English football before the start of the current season amid the wider club’s financial difficulties and protracted takeover saga. Steve Madeley, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for protract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protract
Verb
  • This presents an opportunity for individuals and professionals alike, as edge is available simply by lengthening one’s time horizon.
    Jeffrey Schulze, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • Emily made her tired legs move more quickly, eager for the conversation to be over, but Gen lengthened her stride.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • Two of the stools have legs that extend over the round seat, while the other two have legs that attach underneath the stool.
    Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 13 June 2025
  • Eric, a veteran and second-amendment enthusiast, has a love of country that extends to protecting the rights of his trans son, Rae.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Read More: Rather than needing a method to cook these large amounts of meat, these early humans needed a way to prolong the availability and longevity of meat for consumption over time.
    Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 5 June 2025
  • Many see the peace talks as a charade that both sides know will fail, prolonged only to avoid the ire and impatience of President Donald Trump.
    Keir Simmons, NBC news, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • Ratcliffe has since increased his stake to nearly 30 per cent after spending a further $300m on new shares.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • The increasing supply of NPs and PAs could offset this primary care shortfall if their capabilities were fully utilized.
    Web Golinkin, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Employees' responsibilities were redistributed, stretch limits and recovery times were set and managers were held accountable for pacing.
    Apryl Evans, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • Demand for new planes has still been robust, and airlines often continue to place orders because the waiting period can stretch several years.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 12 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Protract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protract. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on protract

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!