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.
But homicide investigators were assigned the case after a woman called police to repot her suspicions of foul play, according to testimony at Vo’s trial. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025 Authorities initially reported no indication of foul play, but as one talking head in the documentary special explains, that December's autopsy report revealing ketamine in his system immediately altered the official narrative. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 18 Feb. 2025 There were no signs of foul play and officers are investigating the circumstances of her death, a police official told CNN. Yoonjung Seo, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025 No cause of death was provided, but foul play is not suspected. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foul%20play. Accessed 27 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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