sportsmanly
Honorable in competition
Sportsmanly describes conduct befitting a good sport—fair, gracious, and respectful toward opponents.
The word is rare, with *sportsmanlike* serving the same purpose more commonly: a sportsmanlike handshake after the match.
Both suggest playing by the rules and accepting outcomes with dignity rather than complaint or gloating.
High regard, moral dignity
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
- graciousnessCourteous, kind demeanor
- respectfulShowing proper regard
- handshakeMutual palm-gripping gesture
concession · humility · dignity · decency · courtesy · civility · politeness · magnanimity
Foundational moral beliefs
- virtueMoral goodness or merit
- conscienceInternal moral sense
- uprightnessMoral correctness and honesty
- rectitudeMoral straightness
trustworthiness · responsibility · probity · sincerity · scruples · honorable · clean · legitimate
Honorably courteous and brave
- gentlemanlyWell-mannered and honorable
- nobleTitled or virtuous
- valiantCourageously determined
- courteousShowing respectful consideration
brave · heroic · gallantry · knightly · dashing · refined · gracious · debonair
Ongoing contest between opponents
- tournamentMulti-round competitive event
- opponentOne who contends against
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
- victoryDefeating an opponent
defeat · championship · contest · challenge · performance · determination · drive · ambition
honor
High regard, moral dignity
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
- graciousnessCourteous, kind demeanor
- respectfulShowing proper regard
handshake · concession · humility · dignity · decency · courtesy · civility · politeness · magnanimity · good-natured
principles
Foundational moral beliefs
- virtueMoral goodness or merit
- conscienceInternal moral sense
- uprightnessMoral correctness and honesty
rectitude · trustworthiness · responsibility · probity · sincerity · scruples · honorable · clean · legitimate · lawful
chivalrous
Honorably courteous and brave
- gentlemanlyWell-mannered and honorable
- nobleTitled or virtuous
- valiantCourageously determined
courteous · brave · heroic · gallantry · knightly · dashing · refined · gracious · debonair · mannered
rivalry
Ongoing contest between opponents
- tournamentMulti-round competitive event
- opponentOne who contends against
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
victory · defeat · championship · contest · challenge · performance · determination · drive · ambition · perseverance
sportsmanlyunsportsmanlike
Contrary to athletic ethics
unsportsmanly · dirty · foul · unfair · underhanded
sportsmanlysore loser
One who pouts after defeat
poor loser · bad loser · ungracious · petty · bitter
- good sportsmanshipHonorable conduct in competition
- sportsmanship awardHonor for exemplary competitive conduct