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
Although Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said early in the investigation that foul play had not been ruled out, no determination along those lines has since been publicly disclosed.
—
Greg Evans, Deadline, 3 Jan. 2025
Woodland fire officials said there were no immediate signs of foul play, but said fire investigators were working in conjunction with Yolo County Sheriff’s Office to determine what caused the blaze.
—Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
Police said Bebout’s death was not a result of foul play, as authorities now investigate why family members did not report his death, according to WPXI.
—Mike Stunson, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025
An initial review of all financial transactions since Fletcher's employment turned up no evidence of foul play, the release states.
—Grant Lancaster, arkansasonline.com, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for foul play 
Greg Evans, Deadline, 3 Jan. 2025
Woodland fire officials said there were no immediate signs of foul play, but said fire investigators were working in conjunction with Yolo County Sheriff’s Office to determine what caused the blaze.
—Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
Police said Bebout’s death was not a result of foul play, as authorities now investigate why family members did not report his death, according to WPXI.
—Mike Stunson, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025
An initial review of all financial transactions since Fletcher's employment turned up no evidence of foul play, the release states.
—Grant Lancaster, arkansasonline.com, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for foul play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul play
Noun
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Davis has pleaded not guilty to the murder and gang enhancement charges.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
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The defense meanwhile argued O’Keefe was killed inside the home and taken back outside while Read, a financial analyst and adjunct professor at Bentley College, was framed for the murder.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
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And this is why so many people are living in a situation of violence.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
8 Feb. 2025
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For too long, New Yorkers — particularly those impacted by violence or the justice system — have faced barriers to employment that strip them of opportunity and hope.—
Keith Howard,
New York Daily News,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The group has also been linked to five other homicides in Vermont, California and Pennsylvania.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
18 Feb. 2025
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After reviewing the police investigation, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved one count of reckless homicide, a Class 3 felony, against Lopez, Barrington police said.—
Pioneer Press,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Ivers’ blood showed 2.9 ng/ mL of 11-Hydroxy Delta-9 THC.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2025
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But that loss of blood to limbs can lead to necrosis, or rotting, of the flesh.—
Christopher O'Donnell,
Orlando Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Superintendent Moore is very popular among the miners here, and so much feeling was aroused over the killing that officers took Barnes to the jail in Ozark tonight as a precaution against violence.—
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette,
arkansasonline.com,
6 Feb. 2025
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After the sentencing for Dobson's killing, he was accused of angrily breaking a sprinkler head in his holding cell, which flooded the courtroom.—
Louis Casiano,
Fox News,
5 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near foul play
Cite this Entry
“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foul%20play. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.
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