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Synonyms

gamely

American  
[geym-lee] / ˈgeɪm li /

adverb

  1. in a game or plucky manner.

    They struggled gamely.


gamely British  
/ ˈɡeɪmlɪ /

adverb

  1. in a brave or sporting manner

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of gamely

1860–65; game 1 (adj.) + -ly

Explanation

To do something gamely is to do it in an enthusiastic, plucky, and determined manner. If you study vocabulary gamely (and we know you always do), you make it a point to have a great time learning new words. When you're game for something, you're excited and ready to do it. Likewise, to act gamely is to have a positive, upbeat approach to something. If you gamely agree to help your friend cram for a test, you might show up with snacks and good music — just to make things a little more fun. When you behave gamely, you're bringing good vibes. A coach who runs practice in a gamely manner is likely to inspire confidence in the team.

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Vocabulary lists containing gamely

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Prince William spent his week gamely performing for the very same cameras Harry sought so hard to evade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

As she told Salon in 2000, her manager gamely spun her disappearance from public view as intentional, that she was holding out for suitable scripts.

From Salon • Feb. 4, 2026

Carpenter is "gamely playing along", says Dowell, who gives the show four stars.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

Although they begin as novice agents, both gamely step up and build an unlikely friendship in the process.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2026

Always several yards behind, he panted for breath as he stumbled gamely on.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

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