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 Two short runs followed by a Pittsburgh unsportsmanlike conduct set up third and 20, which resulted in an incompletion. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026 But after a replay review, the call was overturned to an incomplete pass, and BYU was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, moving the Knights into kicker Will Stone's range. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Leipold’s unsportsmanlike conduct penalty advanced the ball to the 6-yard line. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026 Vrabel isn’t the first coach to be hit with an unsportsmanlike penalty this season. — Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsportsmanlike

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsportsmanlike

Adjective

Fortes sprinted across the plate with the winning run, then headed toward first to join his jumping teammates in foul territory.

— Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Jackson Chourio and Bauers started the bottom half with singles and first baseman Jonathan Aranda allowed Contreras’ one-out foul pop to bounce out of his mitt near netting in front of the seats.

— Ronald Blum, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of foul

Adjective

Some also called for a reform of the university admissions system, seen by many as complex and unfair.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Trump has imposed new tariffs on Brazilian goods this year, including a 25% levy on some products over what the US described as unfair trade practices.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of unfair

Adjective

With American Family Field rocking, Ashby reared back and threw a nasty curve that Díaz tried to hold up on.

— Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Of course, there has been some criticism of this plan, as France is experiencing some pretty nasty civil unrest at the moment, but the game will go ahead, with the Saints having been in the country for a few days already.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsportsmanlike

adjective

Example Sentences

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