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 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 The on-ice officials penalized Benn for the cross-check, but also put Hartman in the penalty box for unsportsmanlike conduct. — Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 29 Apr. 2026 Zverev was warned for unsportsmanlike conduct. — ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsportsmanlike

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsportsmanlike

Adjective

Over these six weeks, the standard of on-field refereeing was predictably unpredictable, given the wide range of views that exist in different countries on what constitutes a foul, caution or red card.

— Graham Scott, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Joey Bart followed by lining a ball that whizzed over third base and then skidded in foul territory to the base of a wall that juts perpendicular to the infield.

— Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2026

Definition of foul

Adjective

In the suit, WBD accuses Amazon of intentional interference with contractual relations; inducing breach of contract; intentional interference with prospective economic advantage; and unfair competition in violation of California law.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 24 July 2026
If a judge found that Mora broke his agreement with the company, then a jury trial on the other issues of fraudulent misrepresentation, unfair business practices and breach of fiduciary duty may not be necessary, Mora said.

— Robert Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026

Definition of unfair

Adjective

In Michigan alone, more than 7,000 have fallen ill with the nasty foodborne disease, which causes severe diarrhea, and comes from exposure to a parasite in contaminated water used to wash or irrigate crops.

— Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Europe has been consumed by a nasty fire season this year, according to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS).

— Max Saltman, CNN Money, 22 July 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 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsportsmanlike

adjective

Example Sentences

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