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 Second, the party seeking to recover fees must not have unreasonably protracted the litigation. Guinevere Moore, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 The government, with limited powers, now has to lead the country for months before new elections and during what could — again — be protracted talks to cobble together a new coalition in the fragmented Dutch political landscape after the vote. Mike Corder, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025 This is the main reason why negotiations have become so protracted. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 30 May 2025 Once fees are requested, the taxpayer may be required to establish that the net worth requirements are met, that the fees were reasonable, that administrative remedies were exhausted, and that the taxpayer did not unreasonably protract the litigation. Guinevere Moore, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for protract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protract
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • The shift extends beyond just remote work opportunities.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 25 June 2025
  • Waymo’s robotaxi rollout extends beyond its Uber partnership.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • As with the endless descriptions of luxury goods and social-professional triumphs, the book can seem to lose itself in prolonging a fantasy that doesn’t include the reader.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 17 June 2025
  • Any such escalation will likely trigger a wider regional war, and prolonged disruption to oil cargoes will likely draw China into a diplomatic row too.
    Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 14 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
  • The fresh data resumes a trend of worsening consumer confidence that stretches back to the outset of 2025.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 24 June 2025
  • Closing arguments are set to begin this week, on Thursday, and stretch into the following day.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Protract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protract. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on protract

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