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

Hawaii County Police Chief Reed Mahuna said foul play wasn't suspected. — Jonathan Vigliotti, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Police said a preliminary investigation had not indicated any signs of foul play. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Although police say their investigation has found no evidence of foul play or a criminal act, the case remains under review by the Office of the Medical Examiner. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026

Preliminary findings have not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances, police said, according to WHNS. — Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 17 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