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

There were no immediate, obvious signs of foul play or trauma on Wells’ body, Lynd told CNN. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Both the Blazers and city politicians have accused the other of foul play. — Jason Quick, New York Times, 20 July 2026

The investigation The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has not indicated that foul play was involved in Wells' death. — Elise Gregg, NPR, 20 July 2026

The suspension was ultimately overturned, allowing Balogun to play in the United States’ round of 16 game against Belgium, leading many international fans to call foul play. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 20 July 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