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
Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
Two people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press that the four-time NFL MVP agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Steelers on Saturday, ending a protracted decision-making process.
—Will Graves, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
Two people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press that the four-time NFL MVP agreed to a one-year deal to return to Pittsburgh on Saturday, ending a protracted decision-making process.
—ABC News, 16 May 2026
The already acrimonious relationship continued to sour amid a protracted and bitter legal battle, and as Dan started dating Kolkena, before eventually proposing to her.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
Whether the Russian military is capable of protecting the capital amid a protracted and bloody war with Ukraine appears to be an open question now.
—Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
The Ravens conducted a protracted search, hiring Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter — one of Harbaugh’s former assistants — as the franchise’s fourth head coach.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Like past reauthorizations, FISA 702's renewal has sparked a protracted debate on Capitol Hill over if and how the tool should be modified.
—Eric McDaniel, NPR, 17 Apr. 2026
Protesters pointed to the war in Iran, as well as a protracted government funding standoff over immigration enforcement that has left airport security lines snarled and federal workers unpaid.
—Nik Popli, Time, 28 Mar. 2026
Elias Burke, New York Times, 20 June 2026
Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton California’s crowded and protracted gubernatorial primary is going to take a little more time to settle.
—Kaylah Jackson, NBC news, 3 June 2026
The utilities, by offering to settle in return for an acknowledgment of Gillett’s decision-making, are agreeing to the dismissal – without costs to any party – of what was shaping up as protracted, costly and ultimately losing litigation for the state.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 28 May 2026
Russia’s war with Ukraine showed that wars could be protracted and require deep inventories of advanced weapons, Cancian said.
—ABC News, 27 May 2026
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
Adjective
The shootings have highlighted a protracted debate over Missouri’s gun laws, among the loosest in the nation, and local leaders’ yearslong struggle to combat homicides and fatal shootings.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
Two people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press that the four-time NFL MVP agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Steelers on Saturday, ending a protracted decision-making process.
—Will Graves, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
Two people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press that the four-time NFL MVP agreed to a one-year deal to return to Pittsburgh on Saturday, ending a protracted decision-making process.
—ABC News, 16 May 2026
The already acrimonious relationship continued to sour amid a protracted and bitter legal battle, and as Dan started dating Kolkena, before eventually proposing to her.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
Whether the Russian military is capable of protecting the capital amid a protracted and bloody war with Ukraine appears to be an open question now.
—Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
The Ravens conducted a protracted search, hiring Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter — one of Harbaugh’s former assistants — as the franchise’s fourth head coach.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Like past reauthorizations, FISA 702's renewal has sparked a protracted debate on Capitol Hill over if and how the tool should be modified.
—Eric McDaniel, NPR, 17 Apr. 2026
Protesters pointed to the war in Iran, as well as a protracted government funding standoff over immigration enforcement that has left airport security lines snarled and federal workers unpaid.
—Nik Popli, Time, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
Last season, Van Hecke led the English top flight in line-breaking passes (457), a highly encouraging feat, considering Tottenham’s protracted struggles in building central possession through the thirds.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 20 June 2026
Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton California’s crowded and protracted gubernatorial primary is going to take a little more time to settle.
—Kaylah Jackson, NBC news, 3 June 2026
The utilities, by offering to settle in return for an acknowledgment of Gillett’s decision-making, are agreeing to the dismissal – without costs to any party – of what was shaping up as protracted, costly and ultimately losing litigation for the state.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 28 May 2026
Russia’s war with Ukraine showed that wars could be protracted and require deep inventories of advanced weapons, Cancian said.
—ABC News, 27 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protracted
Adjective
-
Animal advocate Mike Wagner, a former board member of the nonprofit Kitten’s First and a shelter partner, criticized the department over its prolonged issues.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
-
One of the toughest positions for the team to fill has been catcher, with budding superstar Drake Baldwin and veteran Sean Murphy both going down with prolonged injuries this season.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
Although the list of edible foods that double as fish bait could be lengthened, there are as many natural baits little known or used by the average fisherman.—
Byron W. Dalrymple,
Outdoor Life,
4 June 2026
-
Whether enjoyed neat, over ice, lengthened with premium tonic, or served in the elegant simplicity of a Martini, Cygnet is crafted to elevate every gin-drinking occasion.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Fuming while on an interminable hold with customer service.—
Carolyn Todd,
Washington Post,
13 June 2026
-
Like a bright headlight facing you dead on or the sudden honk of a loud horn, only the jump scares keep you from falling asleep during the seemingly interminable Passenger.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
According to the agreement, the two sides are supposed to negotiate the issues in 60 days but Baghaei said the deadline could be extended if necessary.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
-
From packed streets to neighborhood businesses, the excitement surrounding the team's title has extended well beyond basketball.—
Hannah Kliger,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
The errand conveniently provided the opportunity for a longish highway test of Lexus’ newest luxury people-mover.—
Sponsored Content,
Denver Post,
21 Mar. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Boise’s rough end to May stretched into June, and the first-year club left Madison, Wisconsin, last week surrendering four unanswered goals in the second half for an embarrassing loss.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
21 June 2026
-
The Chicago rapper took the stage before a crowd that stretched throughout the venue, delivering a set that mixed fan favorites with freestyle moments and audience interaction.—
J.M. Banks
June 21,
Kansas City Star,
21 June 2026
Adjective
-
This is a nearly two-and-a-half-hour film but Spielberg’s expert pacing keeps it from feeling overlong.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
13 June 2026
-
There was a parade of nations, perhaps overlong, but analogue and human-scale.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Rainbow flick The chances of seeing this skill — some might call it a circus act — being performed at the World Cup this summer increased significantly on the back of Neymar being named in the Brazil squad.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
-
Economic output has also increased, up 24% over the same period, government data show.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protracted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protracted. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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