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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of foul play
Police said there were no signs of trauma or foul play and homicide detectives are investigating.
—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 June 2026
There was no indication of foul play.
—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
Authorities have not said whether foul play is suspected, and no manner of death has been determined.
—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
Green declined to say whether foul play was suspected in her disappearance.
—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for foul play
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 June 2026
There was no indication of foul play.
—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
Authorities have not said whether foul play is suspected, and no manner of death has been determined.
—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
Green declined to say whether foul play was suspected in her disappearance.
—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for foul play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul play
Noun
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Prosecutors allege the pistol was used in a 2021 Chicago murder and later in the shooting of a rival gang member.
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Liar, marking a reunion between Seo Hyun-jin and Yoo Yeon-seok as a criminal profiler and a corporate attorney on opposing sides of a murder case tied to a powerful conglomerate, also continues through the month.
Noun
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Was remembers the tumult, violence and hope that came out of that era in his hometown of Detroit.
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But the comments from Raia provide the clearest public indication yet that the FBI's Joint Mission Center, established earlier this year to coordinate the bureau's response to domestic political violence, is producing tangible investigative results.
Noun
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Investigators said Edmond purchased the firearm in Georgia just 36 days before it was allegedly used in the homicide.
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Quigley has pleaded not guilty to motor vehicle homicide in the December 2023 Woburn crash that fatally injured 37‑year‑old Special Olympian Angelo Schettino, who died a month later.
Noun
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Diseases that damage the kidneys and impair their ability to filter blood were blamed for 55,081 deaths in 2024.
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Pomegranates also contain vitamin K and folate, which can help support healthy blood clotting and cell growth, respectively.
Noun
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Years of crippling sanctions have paralysed the economy as accelerating bouts of mass nationwide protests have been put down by security forces with increasing force — culminating in the killing of thousands of demonstrators in January.
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Six other men were also on trial for charges related to the riot, but not for having a role in the killing.
Cite this Entry
“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foul%20play. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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