foul play

noun

: 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.
Jeremiah Kelly, 18, was found dead on April 22 inside his on-campus residence and the Hamilton County Coroner's Office did not find evidence of injury or foul play when its staff performed an autopsy, officials said in an April 28 news release. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 When asked by Dateline in a follow up email whether authorities believe Jonathan may have been kidnapped, O’Keefe reiterated that there is no evidence of foul play in the case. Nicolás Viñuela, NBC news, 24 June 2025 The remains were transported to the Rhode Island Office of the State Medical Examiners for analysis, and police noted that no foul play was suspected at the time. Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 17 June 2025 The coroner found that no foul play was involved, and that his death was accidental. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 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 9 Jul. 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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