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
Relevance
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
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
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The second murder trial of Karen Read resumed Friday with testimony from a defense accident reconstruction witness, after the trial took a one-day pause due to sweltering heat in the Massachusetts court room.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
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
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The funds were then guided by an investment plan adopted by the city last September to support youth and youth violence prevention programming to nonprofits and public entities.—
Olivia Cyrus,
Sacbee.com,
8 June 2025
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The analyst described how Uribe’s experience of violence from a young age defined his politics.—
Alfie Pannell,
Miami Herald,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
The shooting is now being investigated as a homicide.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2025
-
Shortly after Alex’s conviction in March 2023, Smith’s death was officially ruled a homicide.—
Lynsey Eidell,
People.com,
7 June 2025
Noun
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Severe infections can also include aches, headaches, elevated fever, lethargy, rashes, and blood in the urine or stool.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
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The death of a 9-year-old girl who became unresponsive after dental surgery in San Diego County has been ruled an accident resulting from a rare blood disorder, according to autopsy report by the San Diego County Medical Examiner‘s Office.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2025
Noun
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Cathey said the teen may have believed officers were after him in connection with the homicide, but the sheriff said police didn’t know about the killing at the time.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
7 June 2025
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On Monday, June 2, three Palestinians were killed, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) told the BBC, at the same location as Sunday’s killings.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
7 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foul%20play. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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