as in to lengthen
to make longer
the highway project was protracted by years of litigation
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of protract
And nobody has ever designed a reactor for the moon, a hostile volcanic desert subject to extreme temperature swings, frequent asteroid strikes and protracted quakes.
—
Robin George Andrews,
Scientific American,
19 May 2026
After some protracted legal drama, Subnautica 2 is finally about to launch.
—
Jay Peters,
The Verge,
30 Apr. 2026
The back-and-forth between Kehoe and Johnson offered a window into a yearslong, protracted debate over Missouri’s gun laws, among the loosest in the nation.
—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
29 Apr. 2026
Know More Hochstein noted that complex nuclear deals involve protracted negotiations on issues such as verification, enrichment levels, and reporting.
—
J.d. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for protract
Robin George Andrews,
Scientific American,
19 May 2026
After some protracted legal drama, Subnautica 2 is finally about to launch.
—
Jay Peters,
The Verge,
30 Apr. 2026
The back-and-forth between Kehoe and Johnson offered a window into a yearslong, protracted debate over Missouri’s gun laws, among the loosest in the nation.
—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
29 Apr. 2026
Know More Hochstein noted that complex nuclear deals involve protracted negotiations on issues such as verification, enrichment levels, and reporting.
—
J.d. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for protract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protract
Verb
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It’s made of soft pebbled leather with a fabric lining, and the adjustable strap lengthens to 22 inches to get the best fit.
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The mother of the Princess of Wales paired her candy-pink look with lips in a bold cyclamen shade that lit up her smile, while her eyes were accentuated by a bold black line and lengthening mascara.
Verb
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The global index provider extended Indonesia’s status as an emerging market after freezing the country’s stocks in its indexes in January, citing investability concerns.
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Tuesday’s ruling declares the case a class action and extends the order nationwide.
Verb
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After refining, gasoline travels through pipelines, ships, trucks and fuel terminals before landing at filling stations, further prolonging higher prices for consumers.
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On the other hand, prolonged inactivity due to illness, immobilization or a sedentary lifestyle can lead to bone loss.
Verb
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Your visibility increases with the start of Cancer season.
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Health officials said the risk of exposure could increase as summer travel ramps up and Los Angeles welcomes international visitors for FIFA World Cup events being held in the region.
Verb
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Work began this month on Cole Ranch in south Denton, a 4,365-home community along the booming Interstate 35W corridor that stretches to FM 1171 in Flower Mound.
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Christensen suggests the state should instead focus on stripping back environmental regulations that make brush clearance and fire prevention costly, which would ensure state firefighters are not working excessive overtime and the state budget is not being stretched beyond its means.
Cite this Entry
“Protract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protract. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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