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 Netanyahu, who is set to meet the US president on Monday, faces a critical decision at the crossroads of two very different conflicts: one precise and short, the other brutal and protracted. Dana Karni, CNN Money, 1 July 2025 Four days later, following complicated and protracted search and rescue efforts, the bodies of seven victims were found. David Chiu, People.com, 22 June 2025 But the attempt to take out Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility promises to be protracted. Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 21 June 2025 The mediation process to resolve the lawsuit, filed in a Texas court, has become protracted. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for protract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protract
Verb
  • Bad hydrology is 'crushing' conservation measures As with other recent years, factors including warming air, parched soil and lengthening growing seasons have kept some of the melting snowpack from reaching the river or its reservoirs.
    Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Loyal also has both a shot and a pill in the works to lengthen large dogs’ short lifespans by limiting a growth hormone more prevalent in big dogs than small.
    Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Buckeyes extended their record of being ranked in the preseason to 72 years.
    Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • His probation was extended by 18 months for the violation and he was ordered to make payments to charity.
    Chevall Pryce, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Those two inclusions — along with the authority to take bears with arrows, a method of killing that is far more likely to be prolonged and painful — reveal the truth: This is not about managing a species.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Simultaneously, Trump does not want to be played by Putin, with critics contending that Putin proposed Friday’s summit to prolong Trump’s deadline last week for more sanctions.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • During the month of its release, the number of articles about KPop Demon Hunters increased nearly four-fold to 1,394.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Under Ascension's demands, UnitedHealthcare said, health care costs would increase for people enrolled in its Medicare Advantage plans, a private alternative to traditional Medicare, the program for people age 65 or older.
    Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • At its longest, the line stretched out the door and almost to the sidewalk, past three white Adirondack rocking chairs that were all in motion.
    Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • In Thursday’s 30-pitch session, Sale faced utility infielder Jonathan Ornelas and left-handed-hitting minor leaguer Eric Hartman as other Braves stretched and warmed up before batting practice.
    David O'Brien, New York Times, 8 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Protract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protract. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

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