as in foul
not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport
was suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
His poor display of unsportsmanlike conduct was reprehensible.
—
Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 7 Apr. 2026
In the final two minutes and overtime, the limits expand to include unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct.
—Nick Harris
april 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
This wasn’t the same as the Marty Schottenheimer unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that cost the San Diego Chargers a playoff game a couple of decades ago.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 23 Mar. 2026
They were each assessed a penalty on the play, and then Svechnikov received an extra two for unsportsmanlike conduct for a nasty slash to Crosby’s leg.
—Josh Yohe, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsportsmanlike
Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 7 Apr. 2026
In the final two minutes and overtime, the limits expand to include unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct.
—Nick Harris
april 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
This wasn’t the same as the Marty Schottenheimer unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that cost the San Diego Chargers a playoff game a couple of decades ago.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 23 Mar. 2026
They were each assessed a penalty on the play, and then Svechnikov received an extra two for unsportsmanlike conduct for a nasty slash to Crosby’s leg.
—Josh Yohe, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsportsmanlike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsportsmanlike
Adjective
-
After Queta picked up his fourth foul minutes into the second half of Game 5 and was lifted for Vucevic, Embiid proceeded to score 10 points in the next four minutes, powering a 15-3 Sixers run that flipped the game.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
-
On a 1-1 count, Cubs infielder Matt Shaw hit a weak dribbler down the third base line that teetered on the edge of fair or foul.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Rich Batenburg, founder and CEO of The Clear Brands, says competitors in the marijuana industry who skirt the rules gain unfair advantages and present public health risks to patients and consumers.—
Karen Morfitt,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
For the early architects, food was always political and thus, so too was food justice—a direct affront to unfair systems.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
-
Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.—
Lisa Beebe,
Los Angeles Magazine,
5 July 2017
Adjective
-
During the Braves’ recent trip to Philadelphia, Kyle Farmer came down with a nasty illness possibly brought on by norovirus.—
Chad Bishop,
AJC.com,
1 May 2026
-
Mfume has not joined in the negative attack game, but Conway, like other failing candidates, has decided his only political pathway is simply to run a nasty and divisive campaign.—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unsportsmanlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsportsmanlike. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
