as in prolonged
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as in lengthened
to make longer
the highway project was protracted by years of litigation
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Recent Examples of protracted
Galip Dalay, Time, 6 Jan. 2026
South Africa — which is embroiled in a protracted dispute with the US over Pretoria’s Black empowerment laws, among other issues — went further, calling Washington’s move a violation of the UN Charter.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Many actors, in Central and Latin America and beyond, have an interest in making this experience a protracted and painful one for the United States.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2026
What role, for example, did Brady play in the decision to hire then-73-year-old Pete Carroll to coach a team clearly in need of a protracted rebuild?
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
Amid protracted trade tensions with its largest export market, China’s manufacturing activity has slowed for the seventh consecutive month.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 31 Oct. 2025
The subpoenas and tactics at issue in Friday’s statements stem from a protracted and heated legal battle involving Musk.
—Jared Perlo, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2025
What neither side has devised is an easy offramp to prevent what could become a protracted closure.
—Mary Clare Jalonick, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
However, there is little to suggest that the conflict – one of the most protracted and complex conflicts in the world – is easing in any way.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025
The investigation was part of a larger, protracted inquiry around allegations of voter fraud that stretched on for several years and resulted in no charges, formally ending in February 2025.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 19 Dec. 2025
But for now, the mutually agreed upon MOU marks a milestone in the two entities’ protracted negotiations over the terms of their working relationship.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 19 Dec. 2025
Hamada, who was evacuated from Gaza in September after protracted negotiations with Israel, took to the stage alongside director Ben Hania and cast members Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees, Clara Khoury and Amer Hlehel.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2025
Simmons’ protracted nonpayment also reflects the logistical perils and broader challenges for anyone navigating the legal process.
—Victoria Bekiempis, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2025
On Tuesday, Rio de Janeiro’s governor claimed the operation in Alemão was larger than an infamous, protracted security crisis the neighborhood experienced in 2010.
—Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
Supporters lauded the new law, which allows tall buildings along transit corridors, as a breakthrough in the state’s protracted housing crisis.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Oct. 2025
The reversal was the first step in what will likely be a long, protracted set of legal proceedings.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Violent conflicts have been erupting at a brisk frequency, getting bloodier, and more protracted.
—Galip Dalay, Time, 6 Jan. 2026
South Africa — which is embroiled in a protracted dispute with the US over Pretoria’s Black empowerment laws, among other issues — went further, calling Washington’s move a violation of the UN Charter.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Many actors, in Central and Latin America and beyond, have an interest in making this experience a protracted and painful one for the United States.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2026
What role, for example, did Brady play in the decision to hire then-73-year-old Pete Carroll to coach a team clearly in need of a protracted rebuild?
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
Amid protracted trade tensions with its largest export market, China’s manufacturing activity has slowed for the seventh consecutive month.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 31 Oct. 2025
The subpoenas and tactics at issue in Friday’s statements stem from a protracted and heated legal battle involving Musk.
—Jared Perlo, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2025
What neither side has devised is an easy offramp to prevent what could become a protracted closure.
—Mary Clare Jalonick, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
However, there is little to suggest that the conflict – one of the most protracted and complex conflicts in the world – is easing in any way.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
Miami squeaked into the postseason after a long and protracted battle — with a public relations nudge from the ACC — to leap past Notre Dame.
—Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025
The investigation was part of a larger, protracted inquiry around allegations of voter fraud that stretched on for several years and resulted in no charges, formally ending in February 2025.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 19 Dec. 2025
But for now, the mutually agreed upon MOU marks a milestone in the two entities’ protracted negotiations over the terms of their working relationship.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 19 Dec. 2025
Hamada, who was evacuated from Gaza in September after protracted negotiations with Israel, took to the stage alongside director Ben Hania and cast members Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees, Clara Khoury and Amer Hlehel.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2025
Simmons’ protracted nonpayment also reflects the logistical perils and broader challenges for anyone navigating the legal process.
—Victoria Bekiempis, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2025
On Tuesday, Rio de Janeiro’s governor claimed the operation in Alemão was larger than an infamous, protracted security crisis the neighborhood experienced in 2010.
—Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
Supporters lauded the new law, which allows tall buildings along transit corridors, as a breakthrough in the state’s protracted housing crisis.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Oct. 2025
The reversal was the first step in what will likely be a long, protracted set of legal proceedings.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protracted
Adjective
-
Such tactics are not prohibited outright but are often discouraged, including by federal trainers, in part because using them for a prolonged time risks asphyxiation.—
Nicole Foy,
ProPublica,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The chemicals are carcinogens and neurotoxins that can be hazardous to human health through prolonged and consistent physical contact — such as when land is regularly used for gardening or children play in it for years, experts said.—
Violet Ikonomova,
Freep.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The roll-up top can be lengthened or tightened to fit your skis, accommodating up to two pairs of skis that are 203 centimeters long, as well as all the gear needed—from helmets and boots to gloves and ski gear.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Dec. 2025
-
Voices have dropped; IMDb pages have lengthened.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
27 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Polly’s demands could be interminable.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The one important question that didn’t get asked on Monday — amid softballs to Schoen about Jaxson Dart’s promise and the GM’s interminable rebuild — was what specific roles senior personnel executive Chris Mara and director of player personnel Tim McDonnell are playing in this whole process.—
Pat Leonard,
Hartford Courant,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Despite its age, MAVEN has enough fuel to remain in orbit until at least 2030, and the mission was formally extended in 2022 through September 2025.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
16 Jan. 2026
-
The tender deadline was extended once and Paramount’s counsel acknowledged at the hearing today that it will be extended again but did not note the new date.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
When the front door opens, they’re greeted by an androgynous person with longish hair, thick eyebrows and a deep voice.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
2 Aug. 2025
-
Pontiac’s Firebird had a longish life in car years, with four generations spanning 1967 to 2002.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
The law requires presidents to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying forces and to end military action within 60 to 90 days absent authorization — limits that presidents of both parties have routinely stretched.—
Joey Cappelletti,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Jan. 2026
-
State officials say the program is a way to reduce costs, prevent medication lapses, and ease the burden on doctors, particularly in rural areas where clinicians are already stretched thin.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The pacing is overlong, removing much of the tension and excitement that make thrillers so fascinating to watch.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
27 Dec. 2025
-
For instance, while most of the movie is about the title character, a 34-year-old lieutenant governor played by Emma Mackey, there is an overlong subplot about Ella’s younger brother, Casey (Spike Fearn), that encapsulates the tonal dysfunction of the movie.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The Wolverines increased their lead to 42 with less than a minute left in the fourth.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
-
And while famine has not yet emerged, food insecurity has increased, with most Cubans eating a limited diet and skipping meals.—
Joseph J. Gonzalez,
Fortune,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protracted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protracted. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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