protract
verb
pro·tract
prō-ˈtrakt 
prə-
protracted; protracting; protracts
1
: to prolong in time or space : continue
2
: to extend forward or outward compare retract sense 1
Synonyms
Examples of protract in a Sentence
the highway project was protracted by years of litigation
Recent Examples on the Web
After a public and protracted bidding war, Kellner allowed 20th Century Fox Television’s supernatural drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer, created by Josh Whedon and starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, to go to UPN after its fifth season (and its WB contract) ended in May 2001.
—
Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 June 2024
Its effects — on individuals, but also on society at large — could be protracted and expensive.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 17 June 2024
Unlimited debate in an institution with finite time to meet means that protracted debate or an outright filibuster can kill bills.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2024
While protracted military detention has decreased recently, the report released Monday noted that many women still experienced mistreatment.
—Stephanie Busari, CNN, 10 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for protract 
Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 June 2024
Its effects — on individuals, but also on society at large — could be protracted and expensive.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 17 June 2024
Unlimited debate in an institution with finite time to meet means that protracted debate or an outright filibuster can kill bills.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2024
While protracted military detention has decreased recently, the report released Monday noted that many women still experienced mistreatment.
—Stephanie Busari, CNN, 10 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for protract
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'protract.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near protract
Cite this Entry
“Protract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protract. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
protract
verb
pro·tract
prō-ˈtrakt
: prolong
Medical Definition
protract
transitive verb
pro·tract
prō-ˈtrakt
: to extend forward or outward
the mandible is protracted and retracted in chewing
compare retract
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share