Synonyms of protract

protract

verb

prō-ˈtrakt 

as in to lengthen

to make longer

the highway project was protracted by years of litigation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lengthen
• extend
• prolong
• increase
• stretch
• elongate
• draw out
• drag (out)
• expand
• enlarge
• outstretch
• amplify
• attenuate
• thin

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shorten
• curtail
• cut
• reduce
• cut back
• diminish
• decrease
• lessen
• abridge
• abbreviate
• thicken

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of protract

The women’s team were demoted to the fifth tier of English football before the start of the current season amid the wider club’s financial difficulties and protracted takeover saga. —Steve Madeley, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025

After protracted negotiations with Dalton, Peter Burling chose SailGP, focusing his time on the Black Foils and his young family. —Andrew Rice, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025

Negotiations with Canada, Mexico and the European Union are likely to be more protracted. —Nick Sargen, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Rohl previously spent six months at St Mary’s in 2018-19 as Hasenhuttl’s assistant, but protracted talks with Sheffield Wednesday collapsed after a compensation package could not be agreed. —Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025