Marathon — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈmer-ə-ˌthän/ mar·a·thon

Meaning & Definition of Marathon

Marathon (noun)

  1. a footrace run on an open course usually of 26 miles 385 yards (42.2 kilometers); broadly, a long-distance race
  2. an endurance contest
  3. something (such as an event, activity, or session) characterized by great length or concentrated effort

Marathon (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. lasting for a considerable time

    "a marathon study session the night before the exam"

    similar: extended, far, great, lengthy, long, long-drawn-out, long-lived, long-term
    related: aeonian, endless, everlasting, interminable, persistent, longish, overlong, prolonged, protracted, permanent, all-day, all-night, multiday, multiyear
    opposite: brief, little, mini, short, shortish, short-lived, short-term
    near: abrupt, sudden, abbreviated, condensed, curtailed, shortened, ephemeral, fleeting, momentary, transient, transitory, impermanent, short-range

Marathon (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in race, ultramarathon

    similar: race, ultramarathon, biathlon, decathlon, heptathlon, pentathlon, triathlon, heat, round, run, set, derby, field day, gymkhana, open, outing, rally, volley, final, nightcap, play-off, semifinal, round-robin, rubber, runoff, sudden death, championship, national(s), dead heat, photo finish, seesaw, battle, conflict, scrimmage, skirmish, struggle, tug-of-war, tussle

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Marathon

The most common words with a similar meaning to Marathon:

extended, far, great, lengthy, long, long-drawn-out, long-lived, long-term, race, ultramarathon, biathlon, decathlon, heptathlon, pentathlon, triathlon, heat, round, run, set, derby, field day, gymkhana, open, outing, rally, volley, final, nightcap, play-off, semifinal, round-robin, rubber, runoff, sudden death, championship, national(s), dead heat, photo finish, seesaw, battle

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Marathon

Words with the opposite meaning of Marathon:

brief, little, mini, short, shortish, short-lived, short-term

Related Words for Marathon

aeonian, endless, everlasting, interminable, persistent, longish, overlong, prolonged, protracted, permanent, all-day, all-night, multiday, multiyear

Near Antonyms of Marathon

abrupt, sudden, abbreviated, condensed, curtailed, shortened, ephemeral, fleeting, momentary, transient, transitory, impermanent, short-range

Origin & Etymology of Marathon

Marathon, Greece, site of a victory of Greeks over Persians in 490 b.c., the news of which was carried to Athens by a long-distance runner

First known use: 1896

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Marathon

Words & Phrases Containing Marathon

marathoner, half-marathon

Frequently Asked Questions about Marathon

What does "Marathon" mean?

"Marathon" means a footrace run on an open course usually of 26 miles 385 yards (42.2 kilometers); broadly, a long-distance race. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: a footrace run on an open course usually of 26 miles 385 yards (42.2 kilometers); broadly, a long-distance race. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Marathon"?

Other words for "Marathon" include extended, far, great, lengthy, long, long-drawn-out, long-lived and long-term. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Marathon" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Marathon"?

There are 60 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Marathon". Common alternatives include extended, far, great, lengthy, long, long-drawn-out, long-lived, long-term, race and ultramarathon.

What is the opposite of "Marathon"?

Antonyms of "Marathon" include brief, little, mini, short, shortish, short-lived and short-term. Near antonyms include abrupt, sudden, abbreviated and condensed.

How do you use "Marathon" in a sentence?

Examples of "Marathon" in a sentence: "a marathon study session the night before the exam".

Is "Marathon" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Marathon" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Marathon" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Marathon" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Marathon"?

"Marathon" is pronounced /ˈmer-ə-ˌthän/ and divided into syllables as mar·a·thon.