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
Investigators said there were no signs of foul play and that suicide or accidental overdose are among the possibilities being examined.
—
Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 23 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
The sheriff’s department does not know at this time if foul play is involved in John’s disappearance.
—Kyani Reid, NBC news, 14 Oct. 2025
Once there, Glick quickly gathered information that contradicted claims the authorities had made in ruling out foul play.
—Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul play
Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 23 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
The sheriff’s department does not know at this time if foul play is involved in John’s disappearance.
—Kyani Reid, NBC news, 14 Oct. 2025
Once there, Glick quickly gathered information that contradicted claims the authorities had made in ruling out foul play.
—Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul play
Noun
-
Marty works his connections to learn that Frank won’t be charged for Arthur’s murder — the official verdict is that accidents happen when confused old men own guns.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
-
For example, Swan Lake, created with Jacki Apple, combines a film noir murder trope with the glitzy alluring language of high-end advertising.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The texts emerged as Republicans have sought to link Democrats’ rhetoric to acts of political violence, including the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.—
Kevin Breuninger,Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Jones faced calls from Republicans to drop out of the race in October after Jones' recent texting scandal, in which he was revealed to have called for violence against a Republican lawmaker.—
Oren Oppenheim,
ABC News,
4 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
-
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 7 Nov. 2025.
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