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

The ball rolled all the way into the Rays’ bullpen in foul territory while Taylor sprinted to third.

— Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
The rotting food has drawn swarms of flies and rats with a foul rancid smell that Boyle Heights residents have said kept them indoors, and business owners have said kept customers away.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of foul

Adjective

In recent days, the United States proposed new terms that were uneconomic, unfair and undermine the net benefits for Canada, and called into question the reliability of any deal.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
And many of the 1970s nationalization of most major oil companies holdings in oil exporting nations were partly due to the sense that the original concession agreements were unfair.

— Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 30 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 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsportsmanlike

adjective

Example Sentences

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