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

From then on, maybe suspecting his daughters of foul play, Andrew kept the doors to his room locked — both the one that opened out into the stairs and the one connecting his room to Lizzie’s. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Metro Nashville Police said in June that foul play was not suspected in Tay Keith’s death. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026

The Metro Nashville Police Department said in a statement at the time that no foul play was suspected. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026

The Metro Nashville Police Department previously said no foul play was suspected after officers found him during a welfare check June 18. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 17 Sep. 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