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 The remainder of the match played out much the same as the rest with Paraguay playing a brusque style of physical soccer, which at times flirted with unsportsmanlike play that went unpunished by the referee. — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Sweepstakes or website, who act in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner, or who are in violation of these Official Rules, as solely determined by Sponsor, will be disqualified and all associated entries will be void. — AJC.com, 18 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for unsportsmanlike

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsportsmanlike

Adjective

Goalkeepers tend to be the most knowledgeable, and most players have a good understanding of the fundamentals, but a routine question about what constitutes a foul throw usually produces an incredibly high number of incorrect answers.

— Graham Scott, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Tatis never got past second base, as Skenes struck out Jake Cronenworth, got a pop-up to the left side of the infield, and Ty France to pop up in foul territory on the right side.

— Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of foul

Adjective

Copyright, trade secrets, malpractice—none of it was written for this, and stretching it will only lead to unfair results.

— Hamid Kohan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Under federal debt collection rules, debt collectors generally can't harass you, make false or misleading representations or use unfair practices to collect a debt.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of unfair

Adjective

Minneola City Councilman David Yeager’s efforts to annex his new home into the city earlier this summer sparked a nasty debate on the council that led to two members being censured last week for incivility.

— James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Working with a nasty four-pitch mix, Bradley struck out six over four innings before achieving the feat in the fifth.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 26 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 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsportsmanlike

adjective

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