PROTRACT Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

protract

verb

prō-ˈtrakt

Definition of protract next

as in to lengthen

to make longer the highway project was protracted by years of litigation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 These impactful investments are being delivered through UNICEF and a broad consortium of international and local partners with funding from Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises in the United Nations. —

Unicef Usa, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 Lebanon’s system of government requires the new president to convene consultations with lawmakers to nominate a Sunni Muslim prime minister to form a new cabinet, a process that can often be protracted as factions barter over ministerial portfolios. —

Reuters, NBC News, 9 Jan. 2025 But as the story unfolds and the focus shifts to the aftermath, Swire throws himself into amateur detective work and protracted legal battles with the British government, perhaps avoiding the much harder work of mourning. —

Calum Marsh, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025 News host interviewing Angelina Jolie on the Golden Globes red carpet Sunday forgot some pretty big history about the star’s life over the past 25 years — a history that sadly involves her tumultuous relationship with, and bitter and protracted divorce from, Brad Pitt. —

Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for protract

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protract

Verb

Their trade for Jesús Luzardo raises the ceiling of their back-end starters, lengthening the rotation even before top prospect Andrew Painter is called up to the majors.

— Chad Jennings, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
My complexion was pore-less, my lashes were lengthened, but my brows looked meh.

— Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Feb. 2025