UNSPORTSMANLIKE Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

unsportsmanlike

adjective

ˌən-ˈspȯrts-mən-ˌlīk

Definition of unsportsmanlike

as in foul

not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport was suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct

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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 unsportsmanlike This includes deliberately wasting time, persistently breaking rules, trying to trick the referees or unsportsmanlike behavior. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 9 June 2026 Benn was assessed a minor penalty for cross-checking, and Hartman got a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, creating a 4-on-4 situation. — CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026 The on-ice officials penalized Benn for the cross-check, but also put Hartman in the penalty box for unsportsmanlike conduct. — Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 29 Apr. 2026 Zverev was warned for unsportsmanlike conduct. — ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsportsmanlike

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsportsmanlike

Adjective

The foul weather sent trees toppling across the city, including on the Upper West Side in Manhattan and in Woodside, Queens, where a food truck was struck by a fallen tree, according to ABC.

— Theodore Parisienne, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026
She's been booed as a visiting player, elbowed in the face then called for a foul herself, all while some fans have been allowed to bring in signs expressing hatred towards her.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of foul

Adjective

The current administration filed its latest tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which states the president can enact levies against other nations in response to their unfair trade practices, The New York Times reported.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
This week wasn’t a total loss for SerpApi and Perplexity AI, which did manage to get Reddit’s unjust enrichment and unfair competition claims tossed, since they were both preempted by the Copyright Act.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026

Definition of unfair

Adjective

Under its guidance, untold hectares of nasty greenery have succumbed to billions of dollars in herbicide.

— Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
The schedule is nasty, too, with the Wolverines’ first five Power 4 opponents all capable of winning nine or more games this year.

— Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of nasty

Browse Nearby Words

unspools

unsportsmanlike

unspotted

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“Unsportsmanlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsportsmanlike. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsportsmanlike

adjective

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