foul play

noun

Synonyms of foul playnext
: violence
especially : murder

Synonyms of foul play

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Examples of foul play in a Sentence

There is no evidence of foul play. the coroner ruled that there was no evidence of foul play
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Police said there does not appear to be any indication of foul play and that the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office was notified. — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 Hannah says the family does not suspect that Jenny died by suicide and believes what happened was likely either foul play or a freak accident. — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 The medical examiner’s office previously said that foul play was not suspected, but that carbon monoxide poisoning has been ruled out as a possibility. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026 Greenville police previously said their preliminary investigation found no evidence of foul play or suspicious circumstances. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foul play

Word History

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foul play was in 1546

Rhymes for foul play

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Browse Nearby Words

foul out
foul play
foul shot
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foul%20play. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

foul play

noun
: unfair dealing : dishonest conduct
especially : violence sense 1
a victim of foul play
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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