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
Relevance
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
At the time, an autopsy of Gleed's body was inconclusive; thus, the manner and cause of death weren't determined, but foul play was not suspected, police said.
—
Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Police suspect foul play, but power was eventually restored at the festival, which has an independent power supply ready to go.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 24 May 2025
The Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Thursday that detectives do not suspect foul play, pending an autopsy.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2025
Court documents previously obtained by USA TODAY also indicated possible foul play.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul play
Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Police suspect foul play, but power was eventually restored at the festival, which has an independent power supply ready to go.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 24 May 2025
The Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Thursday that detectives do not suspect foul play, pending an autopsy.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2025
Court documents previously obtained by USA TODAY also indicated possible foul play.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul play
Noun
-
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives, who took over the case from Florida City police, booked Fisher into Metro West Detention Center on a second-degree murder charge.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2025
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Francisco Javier Sanchez-Juarez, 28, and Jeffrey Josue Diaz, 24, are charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in connection to the incident.—
Racquel Bazos,
Baltimore Sun,
1 July 2025
Noun
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Police believe the extreme violence in the murder mirrors methods used by trafficking groups to punish their victims.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
People.com,
30 June 2025
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Critics argue that the phrase may incite antisemitic violence; Mamdani has countered that such interpretations are misguided.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
30 June 2025
Noun
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Anyone with information can contact state police’s homicide unit at 443-233-0989.—
Racquel Bazos,
Baltimore Sun,
1 July 2025
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After news of the homicides spread nationally, Johnson and Alandt left town to ensure their own safety.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
1 July 2025
Noun
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The Chelan County Sheriff's Office said in a press release on Tuesday that traces of blood found on the tailgate of Decker's truck belong to the missing father, ruling out additional suspects.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
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Going to the other side of the world to waste precious blood and treasure on democracy?—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
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The university released a statement thanking law enforcement and expressing sympathies to people affected by the killings, but did not comment on Kohberger himself beyond confirming his enrollment.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
1 July 2025
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The shocking quadruple killings shook the families and the small college town of Moscow to the core while police launched a massive manhunt for a suspect.—
Kayna Whitworth,
ABC News,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foul%20play. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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