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 details regarding her death have been released as a cause of death was not listed, but foul play was not suspected, according to a report from The Advocate. Andrew McCarty, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025 No official cause of death was listed but there was no sign of foul play, according to the outlet. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Dec. 2025 Broward Sheriff's Office detectives said no foul play is suspected, pending autopsy results. Marybel Rodriguez, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025 The La Crosse Police Department previously also ruled out foul play on July 25. Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 9 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 12 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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