sportsmanship
noun
sports·man·ship
ˈspȯrts-mən-ˌship 
: conduct (such as fairness, respect for one's opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport
Examples of sportsmanship in a Sentence
He's a great player who's also admired for his sportsmanship.
Recent Examples on the Web
This act of sportsmanship by Nicklaus was both controversial and applauded.
—
Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The league changed its policy this offseason to help deter schools from showing poor sportsmanship.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
On the opening night of the 2025 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles met the Dallas Cowboys in a matchup that was overshadowed by several incidents that violated the core tenets of sportsmanship.
—Ron Mix, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025
Carter’s actions overshadowed the Eagles’ successful start to their title defense and were the main talking point as well how the league might respond after an off-season where improved sportsmanship was a league priority.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sportsmanship
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Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The league changed its policy this offseason to help deter schools from showing poor sportsmanship.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
On the opening night of the 2025 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles met the Dallas Cowboys in a matchup that was overshadowed by several incidents that violated the core tenets of sportsmanship.
—Ron Mix, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025
Carter’s actions overshadowed the Eagles’ successful start to their title defense and were the main talking point as well how the league might respond after an off-season where improved sportsmanship was a league priority.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sportsmanship
Cite this Entry
“Sportsmanship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sportsmanship. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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sportsmanship
noun
sports·man·ship
ˈspō(ə)rt-smən-ˌship
ˈspȯ(ə)rt-
: fair play, respect for opponents, and gracious behavior in winning or losing
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