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

Preliminary evidence suggests there was no foul play in the man’s death, but his cause of death has not yet been determined. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026

No evidence of foul play was discovered, though the investigation dragged on. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Nov. 2026

Pender said his caseload includes 34 unsolved homicides and 14 adult missing person cases in which investigators suspect foul play. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

The Sheriff’s Office said the causes of their deaths were under investigation, but foul play was not suspected. — Dave Collins, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 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