1
as in murder
the intentional and unlawful taking of another person's life
the coroner ruled that there was no evidence of foul play
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in violence
the use of brute strength to cause harm to a person or property
the suspect has a long history of foul play, and was once convicted on assault and battery charges
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of foul play
Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene, and no foul play was suspected.
—
Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026
There were no signs of blood or foul play found at the car.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 21 Feb. 2026
The police responded to the residence hall on George Street Tuesday and saw no obvious signs of trauma or evidence of foul play, spokeswoman Kristy DosReis said.
—Jack Perry, The Providence Journal, 20 Feb. 2026
The Milton Police Department doesn’t suspect foul play, but an investigation remains ongoing.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for foul play
Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026
There were no signs of blood or foul play found at the car.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 21 Feb. 2026
The police responded to the residence hall on George Street Tuesday and saw no obvious signs of trauma or evidence of foul play, spokeswoman Kristy DosReis said.
—Jack Perry, The Providence Journal, 20 Feb. 2026
The Milton Police Department doesn’t suspect foul play, but an investigation remains ongoing.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for foul play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul play
Noun
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Emails obtained by Fox 5 DC and WJLA-TV show that the Fairfax County Police Department had warned Descano’s office multiple times about Jalloh in the months leading up to Minter’s murder.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Mar. 2026
-
She is charged with murder and criminal obstruction of breathing.—
Rebecca White,
New York Daily News,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The family of a man fatally shot during a homecoming event at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania has filed a lawsuit against the school, alleging the university's failure to maintain adequate security and promptly respond to warnings of potential violence contributed to his death.—
Frederick Sutton Sinclair,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
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QueenEr’Re was the second 11-year-old to be killed on the block since early 2023, the latest loss in an area already marked by streets named for Derrick Turnbow and Domonic Davis, whose young lives were also claimed by gun violence.—
Cameron Knight,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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One of the handguns expelled the casing found at the scene of the homicide, Wolf’s lawyer stipulated at a preliminary hearing.—
Matthew Ormseth,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The shooting is being investigated as a homicide, and a person of interest has not been identified.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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And magnesium can interfere with antibiotics and osteoporosis drugs, and prompt side effects with heart and blood-pressure meds.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Strength training increases blood flow to the brain, which supports cognitive performance, concentration and mental clarity.—
Fred Sassani,
Austin American Statesman,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Lebanon has been pulled deep into the war in the Middle East since Hezbollah opened fire to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader, igniting an Israeli offensive which has killed nearly 500 people in Lebanon, according to Lebanese authorities − with the death toll rising by around 100 a day.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
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In Mexico, reactions from organized crime following the killing of a major cartel leader, and abroad, a military incursion in Iran, have forced FIFA to divide its attention across multiple fronts.—
Abraham Nudelstejer,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foul%20play. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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