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 Brents had a solid day; he was victimized on an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that seemed unjustified. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026 Except Diggs leapt and hugged the goalpost after the score — drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026 Warriors defense hurt themselves with two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on the drive. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026 Eagles linebacker Marvell Eggleston put SJSU in field goal range after a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. — Niles Hall, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsportsmanlike

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsportsmanlike

Adjective

But the four-time league MVP is not apologizing for her actions that led to the foul being called.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
The bodies were discovered days later after a neighbor noticed a foul odor coming from the home.

— Sergio Candido, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of foul

Adjective

Kretzschmar and his lawyers, however, argued in state court in Tompkins County that the process was fundamentally unfair, including because he was found responsible for an offense that was not listed in his initial set of administrative charges.

— Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
In October 2025, Jean-Louis filed a $500,000 lawsuit against Monét alleging breach of contract and unfair competition.

— Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of unfair

Adjective

The New York Yankees were still reeling from a nasty gut punch — a 1-0 loss to the rival Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the best-of-five American League Division Series at Tropicana Field on Saturday night.

— Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Frank Senior was a barber who dreamed of being a singer, a nasty cur who beat his two sons and verbally whittled them down to a nub.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 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 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsportsmanlike

adjective

Example Sentences

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