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
The service told the outlet that no foul play is suspected, and the cause of death is currently under investigation.
—
Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
His death sparked outrage and allegations about the manner of his death circulated online, despite officials saying there was no evidence of foul play.
—Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2025
Two missing elk hunters found dead this week in southern Colorado had no visible injuries or initial signs of foul play, the Conejos County coroner told Denver7 Friday.
—Oscar Contreras, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
An autopsy showed no signs of foul play or trauma, police reported.
—Tj MacIas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul play
Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
His death sparked outrage and allegations about the manner of his death circulated online, despite officials saying there was no evidence of foul play.
—Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2025
Two missing elk hunters found dead this week in southern Colorado had no visible injuries or initial signs of foul play, the Conejos County coroner told Denver7 Friday.
—Oscar Contreras, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
An autopsy showed no signs of foul play or trauma, police reported.
—Tj MacIas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul play
Noun
-
The series is a character study masquerading as a murder mystery.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
1 Oct. 2025
-
All of sudden, the murder rate has plummeted.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
During a three-day rampage of gang violence, some 80 people died — the deadliest days in El Salvador since its civil war.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
30 Sep. 2025
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What Anderson ultimately does with Perfidia’s letter to her daughter serving as a testament, and invitation to Exodus, is emphasize that revolution and true freedom requires new solutions different from the acts of violence that defined her past.—
Richard Newby,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The death of a 23-year-old man at Waupun Correctional Institution in March has been ruled a homicide, according to a medical examiner’s determination.—
Vanessa Swales,
jsonline.com,
25 Sep. 2025
-
With nearly 944,000 residents, that works out to about 12 homicides for every 100,000 people.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Mister follows a man (Brolin) who wakes up in a strange house covered in blood and comes to realize his true identity while fighting off contract killers from his past — including everyone from his exes to his best friend.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
25 Sep. 2025
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According to police, Cooksey opened the door with blood on his hands and became angry and demanding.—
Miguel Torres,
AZCentral.com,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The best one can cautiously hope for is a pause in the killing in Gaza.—
Ben Wedeman,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
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Avery, 63, has been serving a life sentence since 2007 for the killing of 25-year-old Teresa Halbach.—
Kelli Arseneau,
jsonline.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foul%20play. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.
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