foul play

noun

: 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.
The sheriff told the media that there were no cuts or bruises on Danni's body and no indications of foul play. Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2025 The tragedy prompted one of the largest and most expensive aviation investigations in history and set off a flurry of conspiracy theories, though the NTSB eventually deemed it an accident and found no evidence of foul play. Michelle Watson, CNN, 3 Feb. 2025 Balaji’s suicide has become a subject of international conjecture, fueled by rampant speculation about foul play. Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025 The Homicide Unit will investigate the shooting, according to police, but no foul play is suspected. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near foul play

Cite this Entry

“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foul%20play. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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