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Definitions

protracted

[proh-trak-tid, pruh‐] / proʊˈtræk tɪd, prə‐ /
ADJECTIVE
long
Synonyms
STRONGEST
continued drawn-out enduring extensive lengthy lingering sustained
STRONG
dragging elongate elongated enlarged expanded lasting lengthened prolonged running stretch stretched stretching towering
WEAK
deep distant far-off far-reaching faraway gangling great high lanky lofty long-drawn-out longish outstretched overlong rangy remote spread-out spun out stringy tall
ADJECTIVE
chronic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
continual continuing continuous enduring lingering persistent recurrent sustained
STRONG
abiding confirmed fixed ingrained lasting obstinate persisting prolonged recurring rooted settled
WEAK
ceaseless constant deep-rooted deep-seated ever-present habitual inborn inbred incurable ineradicable inveterate lifelong long-lived long-standing perennial routine stubborn tenacious unabating unmitigated unyielding usual
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ceasing halting infrequent intermittent interrupted
STRONG
ephemeral fleeting indefinite transient

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Its protracted slump has only been compounded by recent risk-off sentiment amid the war in Iran, causing investors to flee speculative biotech stocks.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

A protracted Iran conflict and continued high oil prices could mean the sun setting soon on gold’s rally, according to a strategist at UBS.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

Ineos blamed "a protracted negotiation" with Athena Racing - formed by Ainslie - claiming his team had caused a costly six-month delay to settlement talks.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

Two of those three years are essentially in the past because of the protracted negotiations.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

His eyes burned with sincerity for a protracted moment — playing havoc with the rhythm of my heart — and then turned playful.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

Vocabulary lists containing protracted

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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This Week in Words: August 10–16, 2019

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And Then There Were None

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