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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of foul play
The Riverside County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident, but according to TMZ, nothing suggests foul play at hand.
—
Seth Quinn, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
The medical examiner’s office would automatically do an autopsy if foul play or criminality was suspected, but there was none, so the office did not overrule the family’s decision.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2025
The idea that the birds are dropping dead from foul play doesn’t sit right with some residents.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025
Related Stories Viral Eaglets Growing Up on Live Cam Die After Storm Blows Nest Away
Illinois Authorities Suspect Avian Flu Outbreak Killed 200 Birds
However, according to ABC News, officials have hinted at foul play after releasing the necropsy results of two deceased birds.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul play
Seth Quinn, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
The medical examiner’s office would automatically do an autopsy if foul play or criminality was suspected, but there was none, so the office did not overrule the family’s decision.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2025
The idea that the birds are dropping dead from foul play doesn’t sit right with some residents.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025
Related Stories Viral Eaglets Growing Up on Live Cam Die After Storm Blows Nest Away
Illinois Authorities Suspect Avian Flu Outbreak Killed 200 Birds
However, according to ABC News, officials have hinted at foul play after releasing the necropsy results of two deceased birds.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul play
Noun
-
After being arrested at the end of season two during her wedding for the murder of Cynthia’s (Sabrina Grdevich) husband, Tom, Georgia is now on trial for her life in the show’s third installment.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
7 June 2025
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The manhunt continues for Decker, who has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of kidnapping in the deaths of his daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
Despite their fierce appearances, many of the barbers who work at Liem’s shops are soft-spoken and humble and reject any perceptions of violence and crime.—
Stephanie Yang,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2025
-
His team of workers does round-the-clock work to tackle the root causes of community violence, leading peer-to-peer support and group therapy sessions.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
Shortly after Alex’s conviction in March 2023, Smith’s death was officially ruled a homicide.—
Lynsey Eidell,
People.com,
7 June 2025
-
The shooting is now being investigated as a homicide.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
Magnesium supplementation can reduce insulin resistance and improve blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.—
Ashley Wong,
Health,
27 May 2025
-
Ellie doesn’t know that Joel killed Abby’s father until she’s already spilled a small army’s worth of blood in retaliation.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
The younger Zoll was the prime suspect in his father’s killing, and authorities launched a multiweek search for him late last year.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
27 May 2025
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News of the killings shook the small southern Oklahoma community, KOCO reported at the time.—
Mitchell Willetts,
Kansas City Star,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foul%20play. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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