UNSPORTSMANLIKE Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

unsportsmanlike

adjective

ˌən-ˈspȯrts-mən-ˌlīk

Definition of unsportsmanlike

as in foul

not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport was suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of unsportsmanlike Wilson was assessed a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026 However, during the game, Simmons, 20, also drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for pretending to pee on the field. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026 In the Raiders game there was also an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that turned a third-down stop into a first down that Las Vegas converted into a touchdown. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026 Brents had a solid day; he was victimized on an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that seemed unjustified. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsportsmanlike

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsportsmanlike

Adjective

Shohei Ohtani emerged from the visiting dugout at American Family Field with a bat in his hand, and the mass of media members scattered in foul territory up the third-base line shifted his way, pulled by the magnetic force that is Ohtani’s stardom.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Stewart attempted a pickoff throw that went off the glove of first baseman Freddie Freeman and into foul territory for an error, advancing Hamilton to second.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of foul

Adjective

The labor agency also issued a complaint last week in the unfair bargaining practice case, meaning PERB officials believe allegations are significant enough to hear it.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026
But also how people can feel powerless in the face of a world that feels more and more unequal, more unfair.

— Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of unfair

Adjective

Ali then went to the top rope and hit a nasty 450 splash through the table.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
However, the modern versions that are packed with high explosives and sit lurking under the dirt to blow up unwary vehicles or pedestrians are much nastier affairs.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of nasty

Browse Nearby Words

unspools

unsportsmanlike

unspotted

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“Unsportsmanlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsportsmanlike. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsportsmanlike

adjective

Example Sentences

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