1
as in murder
the intentional and unlawful taking of another person's life
the coroner ruled that there was no evidence of foul play
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in violence
the use of brute strength to cause harm to a person or property
the suspect has a long history of foul play, and was once convicted on assault and battery charges
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of foul play
No evidence has yet suggested terrorism or deliberate foul play, and hazardous chemicals present around the site are believed to belong to local businesses, not cargo.
—
Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Investigators found no evidence of foul play and the case was closed as a non-criminal death investigation, officials said.
—Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2025
An investigation has been opened into the fatal incident, but no foul play is suspected, a Rome police spokesperson told CNN.
—Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
But with no suspicion of foul play, there was no autopsy, only fueling more questions and speculation.
—David Kushner, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul play
Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Investigators found no evidence of foul play and the case was closed as a non-criminal death investigation, officials said.
—Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2025
An investigation has been opened into the fatal incident, but no foul play is suspected, a Rome police spokesperson told CNN.
—Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
But with no suspicion of foul play, there was no autopsy, only fueling more questions and speculation.
—David Kushner, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul play
Noun
-
And then, in the context of being accused for murder, everything was just highlighted.—
Antonia Blyth,
Deadline,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The film tells the story of Christy Martin, a pioneering American boxer, who survived a murder attempt by her trainer-spouse.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
According to a 2023 report from Human Rights Watch, millions of Bangladeshis faced political persecution during Hasina’s tenure, including arrests, prosecution, and violence.—
MUHIB RAHMAN,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Nov. 2025
-
This attack is the latest in a surge of settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, which have been taking place on a near-daily basis since mid-October.—
Zeena Saifi,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The man's identity has not been released, and authorities declined to comment on the homicide investigation that led to his warrant.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Pacheco-Meza was charged with reckless homicide and driving under the influence, while Morales-Martinez was charged with drug possession and a weapons offense.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Hand on the wheel, blood running through his veins like alcohol through a still.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
White matter lesions occur when the white matter (the brain area consisting of communicating nerve cells) is deprived of oxygen due to poor blood flow, resulting in brain tissue damage and shrinkage (atrophy).—
Colleen Doherty,
Verywell Health,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The Voice of Hind Rajab, about the killing of a young Palestinian girl by Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip in early 2024, which was a recipient of the DFI’s grants program.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
5 Nov. 2025
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Andres pleaded guilty to the killing and was sentenced to nine years but walked free after just 18 months due to his good behavior while behind bars.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foul%20play. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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