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.
No foul play, including terrorism or cyberattack, is suspected. Kansas City Star, 16 Dec. 2025 Authorities added that surveillance footage indicated no foul play was involved. Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 16 Dec. 2025 Police, who are waiting on the medical examiner's report, said no foul play is suspected at this time, but an investigation into her unclassified death remains ongoing. Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025 In a field where public trust and reputation matter as much as performance, the sports industry cannot afford foul play on climate. Brian P. McCullough, The Conversation, 10 Dec. 2025 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 20 Dec. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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