Thesaurus

protract

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

Save Word

Synonyms & Antonyms of protract

to make longer

the highway project was protracted by years of litigation

Synonyms for protract

Words Related to protract

attenuate,
thin

Near Antonyms for protract

thicken

Antonyms for protract

Frequently Asked Questions About protract

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