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.

We’ve had protracted years of pesky little pettifogs.

From Washington Post • Dec. 6, 2021

Somewhere near the middle of the word “grandkids”—which he had protracted into a lengthy and lavishly vowelled production—he began to cry.

From The New Yorker • May 6, 2019

Penelope had protracted her decision in favor of any one of her suitors so long, that there seemed to be no further pretence for delay.

From Bulfinch's Mythology: the Age of Fable by Bulfinch, Thomas

Baffling winds, various mishaps, and the calms usual at this time of the year had protracted the voyage, so seriously that the men had to be put on a two-thirds allowance of rations.

From In Clive's Command A Story of the Fight for India by Strang, Herbert

The excuse set up for this part of the Bill was, that I had protracted the time of my trial for near twelve months.

From The Battle of The Press As Told in the Story of the Life of Richard Carlile By His Daughter, Theophila Carlile Campbell by Campbell, Theophila Carlile