foul play

noun

: violence
especially : murder

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 No details were given of how the death was thought to have occurred, but the office said foul play was not suspected. Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2024 The Enterprise-Record reported Radtke left a note in his vehicle and there is no evidence of foul play. Lindsey Holden, Sacramento Bee, 31 Mar. 2024 Body of Riley Strain found in river, no evidence of foul play: Nashville police The bus was carrying prekindergarten students from Tom Green Elementary School in Hays County, the Hays Consolidated Independent School District said in a press release. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 22 Mar. 2024 His bank card was found last weekend, and police say no evidence of foul play has surfaced. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2024 The theories range from a mechanical malfunction to evil foul play by the pilot and even some broader political conspiracy. Greg Palkot, Fox News, 9 Mar. 2024 There's no evidence of foul play, according to authorities. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 18 Mar. 2024 Perry’s manner of death was ruled an accident and there were no signs of foul play. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2024 The investigation is ongoing although no foul play is suspected. Brian Brant, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'foul play.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near foul play

Cite this Entry

“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foul%20play. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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