foul play

noun

Synonyms of foul playnext
: 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
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.
Preliminary evidence does not suggest foul play, though additional details and the official cause will be released pending the investigation’s completion. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026 There are currently no signs of foul play in the death investigation, the coroner said. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026 There were no signs of foul play, Zeiner said. Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026 Officials have not said whether foul play was suspected. Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foul%20play. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster