as in lengthening
to make longer
the highway project was protracted by years of litigation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protracting
Verb
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The regulation also would extend the time asylum seekers must wait before becoming eligible to apply for a work permit, lengthening the period from 150 days to 365 days.—
Andrea Castillo Los Angeles Times,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026 -
Bootcut is the style of the season thanks to its leg-lengthening effect and versatility.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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By extending the life cycle of creative equipment, MPB actively reduces waste and the carbon footprint of the photo and video industry — proving that used doesn’t mean used up.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
23 Feb. 2026
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The flower buds may not open all at once, extending the blooming period.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Aging systems, including the roof, electrical and plumbing infrastructure, would continue to deteriorate, potentially increasing long-term costs and prolonging uncertainty around the building’s future.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
24 Feb. 2026
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Blizzard warnings are set to expire this evening, but several feet of snow are expected to remain on the ground for several days, while another clipper system is forecast to move through later this week, likely prolonging delays, though not necessarily causing a complete suspension of service.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Parker led 36-25 at halftime and just kept pulling away, stretching the lead to 16, 19 and 21 points in the third quarter.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
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Projections show multi-trillion-dollar deficits stretching into the indefinite future.—
Les Rubin,
Boston Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Throughout these years, Ma began to feel an increasing sense of remorse at his complicity in this system, which sparked deeper soul-searching around his identity as a Muslim, and what that meant within Chinese society.—
Rebecca Wright,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
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Beef prices have been increasing since the beginning of the decade.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
27 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Protracting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protracting. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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