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 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 This includes deliberately wasting time, persistently breaking rules, trying to trick the referees or unsportsmanlike behavior. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 9 June 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 See All Example Sentences for unsportsmanlike

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsportsmanlike

Adjective

The foul call that wiped out Egypt’s second goal was poised to be a flashpoint moment from this match, particularly if Argentina was in position to come back to win.

— NBC News, NBC news, 7 July 2026
After making all six of his shots and four of his free throws on Friday, Lendeborg was 0 for 4 from the field and missed both of his foul shots in the first half.

— Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026

Definition of foul

Adjective

Including some rather nasty, big corpo bullies who enlist specialist teams to hunt down clues, and other players, too.

— Grace Dean, Space.com, 1 July 2026
Betty Kovacs, the eldest daughter of comedian Ernie Kovacs who with her sister Kippie and stepmother, actress-singer Edie Adams, was at the center of a nasty custody battle that kept Hollywood riveted in 1962, has died.

— Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 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 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsportsmanlike

adjective

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