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.
Greek police said Eden’s death appeared to be a suicide, and foul play was not suspected. Joseph Wilkinson, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026 Greek police told the outlet that authorities did not suspect foul play. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026 Detectives have ruled out foul play. Mark Reynolds, The Providence Journal, 13 Feb. 2026 What were the signs that led investigators to assume foul play? Stephanie Innes, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 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 21 Feb. 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

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