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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 climax is protracted but darkly thrilling: ugly secrets spill into the open, winged monkeys screech and scatter, and Elphaba comes into full possession of her powers. —

Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2024 Often, these assessments also incur vendor costs and protracted development cycles. —

Melissa Daimler, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 Here are seven names that might come up as election officials and partisan lawyers join what could be an intense and protracted legal and public-relations fight over which votes should be counted and how. —

Philip Elliott, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024 Previously, these publications have tended not to have protracted life spans. —

Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for protract

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protract

Verb

The speaker election is often a formality, with one simple round of voting, but in 2023, a pair of prolonged elections, in January and October, lengthened the usually quick process.

Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Dec. 2024
Brunson and Towns are confounding opposing defenses in two-man action, and this starting lineup can comfortably go five out to lengthen and distort the floor.

Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 25 Dec. 2024