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

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 That comes after China shares’ protracted slump for the past few years , dragged down by growth concerns and its long-standing property debt crisis. —

Weizhen Tan, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2024 The combat — an extended battle between the Loyalists and the Barbarians— is more brutal and protracted. —

A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2024 The pervasive graying of the population and protracted population decline will hobble economic growth and cripple social welfare systems in rich countries, threatening their very prospects for continued prosperity. —

Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024 Wasser has represented a who’s who of divorcing A-listers over the years, including Angelina Jolie in the early years of her bitter, protracted divorce from Brad Pitt. —

Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for protract

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protract

Verb

In the air, the 6.9-foot-wide (2.1-m) wing increases lift and improves glide with the intent of lengthening the overall flight distance and time in the air.

New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2024
Easter cactus, for example, begins blooming when days lengthen in early spring.

Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2024