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.
Her death was initially ruled a suicide, but many of her friends suspected foul play. Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026 At the time, the New Mexico Department of Public Safety told CNN no foul play was suspected. Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 1 June 2026 Yates added that there was no evidence of foul play. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026 According to the lawsuit, the school indicated that the principal and assistant principal were suspicious of foul play after an entire class was found sleeping during the middle of the day consistently for at least six weeks before the whistleblower came forward. Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 27 May 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 4 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

foul play

noun
: unfair dealing : dishonest conduct
especially : violence sense 1
a victim of foul play

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