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 medical examiner’s office previously said that foul play was not suspected, but that carbon monoxide poisoning has been ruled out as a possibility. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026

On Monday, police held a news conference and reiterated that investigators suspect foul play. — Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Greenville police previously said their preliminary investigation found no evidence of foul play or suspicious circumstances. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

On Monday, Panettiere’s rep confirmed the actress’ death at age 36 to Deadline, as police in Greenville, South Carolina initially announced that no foul play was suspected. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 23 Aug. 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