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
The Westerly Police Department Detective Division is investigating the incident, though no foul play is suspected.
—
David Matthews, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025
However, a finding from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife offers another explanation: foul play.
—James Powel, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Given the circumstances, foul play is not suspected in his death, police said.
—Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2025
The Pinal County Medical Examiner will determine the hiker's cause of death, but foul play is not suspected, AZ Family reported.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul play
David Matthews, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025
However, a finding from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife offers another explanation: foul play.
—James Powel, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Given the circumstances, foul play is not suspected in his death, police said.
—Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2025
The Pinal County Medical Examiner will determine the hiker's cause of death, but foul play is not suspected, AZ Family reported.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul play
Noun
-
With visions of wealth and success, the young men are lured into what becomes a web of fraud — and a cautionary tale that devolves into murder.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
13 July 2025
-
Michael Proctor, a former homicide detective with the Massachusetts State Police, lost his job but may still resurface in the upcoming murder trial of Brian Walshe – who is accused of killing his wife Ana outside Boston.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
Researchers and experts cite many reasons for this, including the rise of gun violence, food insecurity, and health care accessibility.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
14 July 2025
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Meanwhile, in the world’s most dire humanitarian crisis, where access for emergency food and medical workers has been made increasingly difficult by warring parties, people are fleeing violence on foot, children are malnourished, and Sudanese are dying from treatable conditions.—
Chris Boccia,
ABC News,
13 July 2025
Noun
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The Staten Island resident is facing manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, among other charges.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
12 July 2025
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He has not been charged federally with homicide or aggravated assault.—
Raphael Romero Ruiz,
AZCentral.com,
12 July 2025
Noun
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Police found his wife's car, which had her stepfather's blood inside, Hochman's office revealed Monday.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
-
Those able to donate blood can sign up via the American Red Cross or the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center.—
Staff Author,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Buono, a Glendale upholsterer, was convicted after a two-year trial of nine of the Hillside Strangler killings in late 1983.—
Richard Winton
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
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Investigators said the man exhibited mental health issues before the girls' killings, according to the court papers.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foul%20play. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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