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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Example Sentences

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 Wilson was assessed a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026 However, during the game, Simmons, 20, also drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for pretending to pee on the field. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026 In the Raiders game there was also an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that turned a third-down stop into a first down that Las Vegas converted into a touchdown. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026 Brents had a solid day; he was victimized on an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that seemed unjustified. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 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

The labor agency also issued a complaint last week in the unfair bargaining practice case, meaning PERB officials believe allegations are significant enough to hear it.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026
But also how people can feel powerless in the face of a world that feels more and more unequal, more unfair.

— Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 8 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 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsportsmanlike

adjective

Example Sentences

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