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.
Anderson said the man appeared to have died of natural causes and that no foul play was suspected. — Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 Police said there were no signs of trauma and foul play was not suspected. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but foul play is not suspected, church officials said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026 Davis police and the Yolo County Coroner’s Office were investigating his death, but officers found no evidence of foul play, Evans said. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foul%20play. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

foul play

noun
: unfair dealing : dishonest conduct
especially : violence sense 1
a victim of foul play
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