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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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 Gerry was not alone among the Founders in opposing such political gamesmanship. — Frederic J. Fransen, Boston Herald, 9 June 2026 There was also gamesmanship by several teams, using one driver to slow down the pack to help their other driver gain positions. — Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 7 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for gamesmanship

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gamesmanship

Noun

Recent history suggests that the only effective counter to such meddling is a public statement alerting voters to the deception, by some credibly neutral, nonpartisan authority.

— David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Peter trying to have a normal holiday while grieving Tony, Mysterio’s deception, and the post-credits scene that blows Peter’s life apart — all of it feeds into where the new film finds him.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of deception

Noun

What subterfuge has the author devised within a sentence, and what chills of humor or irony will run across its surface as the subterfuge is discovered?

— Sabrina Jaszi, The Dial, 4 Aug. 2026
Her subterfuge eventually drives Frank to unknowingly hire Ariane’s own father to learn her identity.

— Air Mail, Air Mail, 18 July 2026

Definition of subterfuge

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

Football is all about engaño (trickery) — looking one way and passing the other, feinting to go left and swiftly moving right, manipulating the opposition and tricking them to open up those little spaces.

— Xavi, New York Times, 19 July 2026
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

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

gamesmen

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“Gamesmanship.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gamesmanship. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of gamesmanship

noun

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