foul play

noun

: violence

especially : murder

Synonyms of foul play

• murder
• homicide
• blood
• killing

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

The Sheriff’s Office said homicide detectives did not suspect foul play in the death, though an investigation remained ongoing. — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

Referee Raphael Claus walked to the sideline monitor, watched a slow-motion replay, and sent Balogun off for serious foul play. — Oded Netzer, Fortune, 13 July 2026

The coroner said Monday's autopsy findings were consistent with drowning, adding that there is no evidence to indicate foul play at this time. — Michael Guise, CBS News, 13 July 2026

No foul play was involved in Simmons’ death, a law enforcement source told PEOPLE at the time. — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foul play

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

Kids Definition

foul play

noun

: unfair dealing : dishonest conduct

especially : violence sense 1

a victim of foul play