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.
Jenkins told the Banner-Herald that no foul play is believed to be involved with her death. Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025 Investigators found no evidence of foul play and the case was closed as a non-criminal death investigation, officials said. Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2025 An investigation has been opened into the fatal incident, but no foul play is suspected, a Rome police spokesperson told CNN. Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025 Investigators said there were no signs of foul play and that suicide or accidental overdose are among the possibilities being examined. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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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