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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.

But I gamely soldiered back into the sunlight and onto the pathways that line the National Mall, each ginger step kicking up dust.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

The split widens when a labor strike becomes an armed revolt, with Jacir gamely tracking the hardening or shifting loyalties of both her peasant and well-to-do characters.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

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

Australian world number 53 Popyrin battled gamely but failed to create a break-point opportunity against his clinical opponent.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

Granddaddy looked amused; Mother looked as if she had a sick headache but gamely held up her end of the conversation.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

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