sportsmanlike
Gracious in competition
Sportsmanlike describes behavior that shows fairness, respect for opponents, and graciousness in competition—whether winning or losing.
A sportsmanlike player shakes hands after a loss, doesn't gloat after a win, and plays by both the rules and their spirit: That was a sportsmanlike gesture, helping the fallen runner back up.
High regard, moral dignity
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
- honestyTruthfulness, sincerity
- principlesFoundational moral beliefs
- virtueMoral goodness or merit
uprightness · trustworthiness · character · nobility · rectitude · moral fiber · conscience · ethics
Just and equal treatment
- fair playHonorable conduct in games
- impartialityFreedom from prejudice
- equitableJust and unbiased
- evenhandedFair to all parties
unbiased · level playing field · objectivity · neutrality · square dealing · legitimate · lawful · good faith
Courteous, kind demeanor
- humilityFreedom from arrogance
- modestyAbsence of vanity
- composureEmotional self-control
- dignityInnate personal worth
grace · magnanimity · good loser · handshake · restraint · poise · class · decorum
Regard with honor
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
- politenessCourteous, respectful conduct
- civilityFormal politeness in conduct
- considerationCareful thought or compensation
deference · acknowledgment · tactfulness · decency · etiquette · propriety · cordiality · collegiality
Ongoing contest between opponents
- opponentOne who contends against
- contestOrganized competitive event
- tournamentMulti-round competitive event
- championshipCompetition for top rank
match · game · athletic · teamwork · competition · playing field · arena · league
honor
High regard, moral dignity
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
- honestyTruthfulness, sincerity
- principlesFoundational moral beliefs
virtue · uprightness · trustworthiness · character · nobility · rectitude · moral fiber · conscience · ethics · high-mindedness
fairness
Just and equal treatment
- fair playHonorable conduct in games
- impartialityFreedom from prejudice
- equitableJust and unbiased
evenhanded · unbiased · level playing field · objectivity · neutrality · square dealing · legitimate · lawful · good faith · even-handed
graciousness
Courteous, kind demeanor
dignity · grace · magnanimity · good loser · handshake · restraint · poise · class · decorum · aplomb
respect
Regard with honor
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
- politenessCourteous, respectful conduct
- civilityFormal politeness in conduct
consideration · deference · acknowledgment · tactfulness · decency · etiquette · propriety · cordiality · collegiality · mutual respect
rivalry
Ongoing contest between opponents
- opponentOne who contends against
- contestOrganized competitive event
- tournamentMulti-round competitive event
championship · match · game · athletic · teamwork · competition · playing field · arena · league · good sport
sportsmanlikeunsportsmanlike
Contrary to athletic ethics
unsporting · dirty · unfair · foul · underhanded
sportsmanlikepoor sport
One who handles defeat badly
bad sport · sore loser · ungracious · petty · churlish