foul play

noun

Synonyms of foul playnext
: 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.
No foul play is suspected, the post says. Arkansas Online, 16 May 2026 Police spokesman Don Aaron told USA Today that no foul play is suspected in the incident, and an autopsy will be conducted to determine McWilliams' cause and manner of death. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026 Aaron said foul play was not suspected in the case. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 13 May 2026 Investigators do not suspect foul play in the death of the snorkeler. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2026 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 20 May. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster