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 The women’s team were demoted to the fifth tier of English football before the start of the current season amid the wider club’s financial difficulties and protracted takeover saga. Steve Madeley, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 After protracted negotiations with Dalton, Peter Burling chose SailGP, focusing his time on the Black Foils and his young family. Andrew Rice, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025 Negotiations with Canada, Mexico and the European Union are likely to be more protracted. Nick Sargen, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 Rohl previously spent six months at St Mary’s in 2018-19 as Hasenhuttl’s assistant, but protracted talks with Sheffield Wednesday collapsed after a compensation package could not be agreed. Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for protract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protract
Verb
  • Their work emphasizes that with lengthening lifespans, Americans will face multiple career transitions and need continual skill renewal.
    Alison Griffin, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Listen to this article CARLSBAD — Dianna Lee settled over a 4-foot put on the 18th green in the lengthening shadows Wednesday evening at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s North Course.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • The consequences extend far beyond teachers themselves; students suffer the most.
    Lakeisha Wells Palmer, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 June 2025
  • The stakes of this inquiry extend far beyond philosophical curiosity.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the report noted that the lack of federal reforms, such as delays in rescheduling cannabis and changes to banking policies, has prolonged uncertainty.
    Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for stronger sanctions against Russia, saying Moscow’s aim is to prolong the war by rejecting ceasefire proposals.
    Dragana Jovanovic, ABC News, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Hair's porosity will increase in response to the voids in your hair when the cortex and medulla are damaged.23 Low-porosity hair is identified by its tightly closed cuticles, which are reluctant to absorb water, hair products, or oils.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 May 2025
  • Listen to this article 2 min Tensions flared during Saturday's NCAA baseball game between Samford and Mercer. Samford outfielder Michael Gupton hit a two-run homer to increase the Bulldogs' lead over the Mercer Bears.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Noise-reducing Earplugs Sometimes a European city break means sticking to a small budget and finding ways to stretch your budget to see as many cities or enjoy as many excursions as possible.
    Gregory Robinson, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025
  • Replenish mulches to stretch the time between waterings. 39.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Protract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protract. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on protract

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