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 The investigation revealed abusive behavior and neglect, leading to suspicions of foul play. Vanessa Swales, Journal Sentinel, 14 Sep. 2024 Butler and Kelley were last seen on March 30 heading to pick up their children before their car was found abandoned near the Oklahoma-Kansas border, with foul play suspected, police said. Stepheny Price, Fox News, 13 Sep. 2024 Peoria police said there were no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances related to Bradley Klose's death. CBS News, 13 Sep. 2024 After Paulette’s body was found, tensions rose within the family as speculation about foul play began to circulate publicly. Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 7 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for foul play 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'foul play.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 29 Sep. 2024.

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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