as in to lengthen
to make longer
the highway project was protracted by years of litigation
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of protract
If the Hackman smile stayed fixed for more than a couple of seconds and his eyes lit up with joy, protracted cruelty might be incoming.
—
Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
How best to fight that protracted, demoralizing violence?
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 25 Feb. 2025
The program was made possible with a fast-acting First Emergency Response grant from Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises in the UN.
—Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
President Nixon’s behavior caused grave tensions between the three branches of government, but the buildup was protracted and gradual.
—Mattathias Schwartz, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for protract
Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
How best to fight that protracted, demoralizing violence?
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 25 Feb. 2025
The program was made possible with a fast-acting First Emergency Response grant from Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises in the UN.
—Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
President Nixon’s behavior caused grave tensions between the three branches of government, but the buildup was protracted and gradual.
—Mattathias Schwartz, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for protract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protract
Verb
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Moreover, working the long head emphasizes the eccentric portion of a move—the part when the muscle is lengthening under load—which is a more effective way to improve strength, power, and speed performance compared to traditional resistance training, according to research.—
Jenny McCoy,
SELF,
9 Apr. 2025
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Chronic pessimism damages your attitude and your telomeres—the protective tips at the end of chromosomes, shortened by negative thoughts and lengthened by positive thoughts.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Given that half of these coal plants would probably cost too much to upgrade and continue operating, the contribution from extending the lifetimes of active coal plants would fall to something below 5%.—
Ian Dexter Palmer,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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In rare cases, legislative changes could extend the window.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Several of Ukraine's allies had said in individual statements that the strikes showed Russia was prolonging the war.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
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The Fed chief said Wednesday the central bank can be patient while assessing data on inflation and employment, which are its dual mandates, while anxious consumers and businesses eye potentially prolonged economic instability.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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What Murray did in the second half was increase his aggression off the dribble.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be? (1) Infrastructure in forms of roads and increased police and fire due to the growing population.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Dark hardwood floors stretch over to the formal dining area, which sits opposite the chef’s kitchen.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
10 Apr. 2025
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Because your stomach stretches, moves, and flexes more than other areas, Ellis notes, navel piercings can be more prone to irritation than other piercings and can have a longer healing process.—
Marianne Mychaskiw,
Allure,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Protract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protract. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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