gamesmanship

noun

ˈgāmz-mən-ˌship How to pronounce gamesmanship (audio)
Definition of gamesmanshipnext
as in deception
the use of clever underhanded actions to achieve an end that author doesn't go in for literary gamesmanship, so the reader is never led astray by the novel's narrator

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 gamesmanship Think of it as gamesmanship from the Spurs ahead of a pivotal moment in the series. — Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 11 May 2026 The difference is Jokic does not appear in any way interested in Antetokounmpo-like gamesmanship. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026 Roster-building gamesmanship ensued between the rivals. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026 Smith engaged in such coy gamesmanship ahead of Game 1, even on obvious matters such as his starting goalie. — Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gamesmanship
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gamesmanship
  1. deception
  2. subterfuge
  3. chicanery
  4. treachery
  5. deceptiveness
  6. trickery
  7. skulduggery
  8. artfulness
Noun
  • Camouflage, concealment, and deception Protecting missile infrastructure also depends on preventing an adversary from developing an accurate target list.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
  • The snake charmer is, in effect, a stand-in for Gérôme, whose art relies on seduction and deception.
    — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
Definition of deception
Noun
  • The majority sees this as subterfuge.
    — Morgan Marietta, The Conversation, 26 June 2026
  • The Blacks’ defeat would be certain if not for dragons and subterfuge.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Definition of subterfuge
Noun
  • But both parties increasingly justify the chicanery, because the stakes of winning elections and keeping power are simply too high.
    — S.E. Cupp, New York Daily News, 8 July 2026
  • There’s a tremendous amount of financial chicanery that goes on in 2026.
    — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 11 June 2026
Definition of chicanery
Noun
  • Guides spoke of the monthlong siege that ended only because of the treachery of a local noble who turned on the sultan and allowed British troops to scale the walls.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 2 July 2026
  • This is not treachery but the truest and noblest affection.
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Definition of treachery
Noun
  • Of course, the retort is that this would be irritating and exasperating to be continually deluged with alerts about AI deceptiveness.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Beyond the deceptiveness of the narrow material view, spiritual light and hope are always present to be found and felt.
    — Sue Brightman, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of deceptiveness
Noun
  • Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro have stretched defenses from the flanks, while Lamine Yamal has confused them with his trickery.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 18 July 2026
  • Still, if any one of them did start — plus rotational options of Desire Doue or Cherki — then England’s defence will need to stay on high alert for runs in behind and trickery in wide areas.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of trickery
Noun
  • Few would begrudge Paraguay this recognition, but the skullduggery did produce eye-rolls and requires stronger officiating.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • For this skullduggery-stopping potential, the city paid $67,548, which is in the rough ballpark as what your average cop probably makes annually.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 17 June 2026
Definition of skulduggery
Noun
  • All of this shone vividly through his work, which shared his joy, artfulness and deep feeling, and most of all privileged human experience and social interaction.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • Mike Bowman, designer, furniture industry expert, and director of marketing for Harmonia Living, says this trend relies on furnishings to bring artfulness to a space—rather than just functionality.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Definition of artfulness

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Cite this Entry

“Gamesmanship.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gamesmanship. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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