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

Nowadays VARs are most cautious about using slow motion in relation to handball and serious foul play, the term that covers challenges for the ball that deserve red cards. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

The sheriff’s office suspected foul play upon finding the remains. — Sarah Dahlberg, NBC news, 8 Sep. 2026

The man is believed to be between 50 and 60 years old and appeared to have been dead less than 24 hours, Oakley said, adding that there appeared to be no obvious signs of trauma or foul play. — Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026

Oakley said there were no obvious signs of foul play or trauma. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 3 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