as in to lengthen
to make longer
the highway project was protracted by years of litigation
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Recent Examples of protract
That all changed a year ago, when Mohamed — now a rambunctious 13-year-old — was able to enter an innovative self-learning program delivered by UNICEF with funding from Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises hosted by UNICEF.
—
Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
In its final episodes, the show builds to a climax that’s protracted over several episodes, drawing out the series’ ideas about masculinity, rage, and forgiveness.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
Investing in and becoming Chair of Sipur is her first big move since Paramount’s protracted and high-profile $8B Skydance merger.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025
Her decision to accept voluntary departure shows that immigrants who grew up in the United States, many with no criminal record, are choosing to leave on their own accord rather than endure months of detention and protracted legal battles.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for protract
Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
In its final episodes, the show builds to a climax that’s protracted over several episodes, drawing out the series’ ideas about masculinity, rage, and forgiveness.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
Investing in and becoming Chair of Sipur is her first big move since Paramount’s protracted and high-profile $8B Skydance merger.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025
Her decision to accept voluntary departure shows that immigrants who grew up in the United States, many with no criminal record, are choosing to leave on their own accord rather than endure months of detention and protracted legal battles.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for protract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protract
Verb
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That’s because plyometrics involve quick movements and concentric (shortening) and eccentric (lengthening) muscle contractions.—
Jenny McCoy,
SELF,
24 Oct. 2025
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The idea is that once the consolidated sleep pattern has been established, it can be lengthened over time.—
Rowan Jacobsen,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This year, Spirit Halloween is extending over 20 contracts to support the expansion of Spirit Christmas, now entering its second year.—
Victoria Moorwood,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
23 Oct. 2025
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This would not have been the case had Wrexham’s longest winless start to an EFL season on home soil been extended to six games by Oxford on a night when the hosts played the final quarter of the match a man down following Callum Doyle’s red card.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Chop your pumpkin into smaller pieces before adding it to your bin, and avoid using pumpkins that have been decorated or exposed to chemicals to prolong their shelf life.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
24 Oct. 2025
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The judges also now try to cram multiple cases into a time block that previously would’ve been reserved for one case, attorneys said, prolonging and straining the rare individualized — and critical — court hearings that often determine an immigrant’s fate.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The cuts come after Chegg in May laid off 22% of its workforce, citing increasing adoption of AI.—
Annie Palmer,
CNBC,
28 Oct. 2025
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With increasing space traffic from various nations and private companies, keeping tabs on potential collisions and threats becomes crucial.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Food banks and pantries, meanwhile, have already seen an uptick in need but resources are stretched thin.—
Nushrat Rahman,
Freep.com,
27 Oct. 2025
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Plus, the legs are curved, providing more space to stretch out.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Protract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protract. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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