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.
Despite Monroe’s death being ruled an overdose, mysterious circumstances surrounding her death have fostered conspiracy theories that foul play was involved. — Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026 Police initially deemed Lashaya Stine a runaway, but evidence pointed to foul play. — Eileen Murphy, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 Police said no foul play is suspected, though the cause of death has not been released. — Charlotte Observer, 3 Aug. 2026 The preliminary investigation did not indicate any signs of foul play. — Los Angeles Times, 3 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
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Cite this Entry

“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foul%20play. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

foul play

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

More from Merriam-Webster on foul play

Nglish: Translation of foul play for Spanish Speakers

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