Synonyms of below the belt

below the belt

phrase

as in nasty

not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport

That mean joke really hit below the belt.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• nasty
• unfair
• illegal
• low
• dirty
• foul
• unsportsmanlike
• shabby
• dishonorable
• shameful
• unscrupulous
• unjust
• immoral
• unprincipled
• unrighteous
• rotten
• mean
• ignoble
• unethical
• ungentlemanly
• unchivalrous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• legal
• fair
• just
• clean
• sportsmanly
• moral
• ethical
• righteous
• sportsmanlike
• scrupulous
• principled
• law-abiding
• honorable
• unimpeachable
• irreproachable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of below the belt

The safety-yellow stripes of the original Crossovers have been toned down into a Venture-style checkmark down below the belt line. — New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026

But what does Porsha being a liar have to do with Shamea hitting below the belt unprompted? — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026