GAMESMANSHIP Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

gamesmanship

noun

ˈgāmz-mən-ˌship

Definition of gamesmanship

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

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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 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

Noun

Harry and the six other high-profile claimants failed to prove their allegations that the publisher unlawfully obtained private information through methods including private investigators, deception, phone hacking and corrupt payments.

— Erin Hill, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Alleged privacy breaches include voicemail interception, phone hacking and obtaining personal information through deception.

— Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Definition of deception

Noun

There’s a tremendous amount of financial chicanery that goes on in 2026.

— Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 11 June 2026
Not many people, however, concluded that financial chicanery at executive level should be used as a stick with which to beat the players and coaches who had won those trophies over the years in question.

— Oliver Kay, New York Times, 21 May 2026

Definition of chicanery

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

Molière’s irresistible comedy of trickery and mayhem is a dazzling new adaptation by Bill Irwin and Mark O’Donnell — reimagined for today’s audiences with fresh American flair and nonstop physical comedy, according to a news release.

— News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
The absolute key to France’s attack is the telepathic understanding brewing between Mbappé and Olise, whose combined trickery and close control are in perfect harmony.

— Tom Burrows, New York Times, 27 June 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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“Gamesmanship.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gamesmanship. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of gamesmanship

noun

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