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

Pender said his caseload includes 34 unsolved homicides and 14 adult missing person cases in which investigators suspect foul play. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

The Sheriff’s Office said the causes of their deaths were under investigation, but foul play was not suspected. — Dave Collins, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

An investigation into Panettiere’s death was opened, though police said an initial investigation did not indicate any signs of foul play. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2026

Police said there were no signs of trauma and foul play was not suspected. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 22 Oct. 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