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
The Suffolk District Attorney’s Office told USA TODAY in a statement on Tuesday that the woman's death last week is not considered suspicious and that no foul play is suspected.
—
Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025
The Seattle Police Department said the cause of the fire and whether or not foul play was a factor has not been determined.
—Megan Forrester, ABC News, 11 Mar. 2025
The pair died within days of each other and there were no apparent signs of foul play, New Mexico Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell said at a news conference.
—Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2025
Officers said, at the time, that foul play was not suspected.
—Sharareh Drury, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul play
Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025
The Seattle Police Department said the cause of the fire and whether or not foul play was a factor has not been determined.
—Megan Forrester, ABC News, 11 Mar. 2025
The pair died within days of each other and there were no apparent signs of foul play, New Mexico Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell said at a news conference.
—Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2025
Officers said, at the time, that foul play was not suspected.
—Sharareh Drury, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul play
Noun
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Deputy District Attorney David Jarman, who is prosecuting the case, said the facts support a second-degree murder charge.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2025
-
The Kardashian family patriarch always stood by Simpson's side, going on to act as his defense attorney in the infamous murder trial, at the end of which Simpson was acquitted on all counts.—
Liza Esquibias,
People.com,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Women belonging to ethnic and religious minorities experienced distinct harms that were compounded by pre-existing discrimination and violence against them - as women and as minorities.—
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
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According to Us Weekly, in April 2021, Matt pleaded guilty to one count of domestic battery with corporal injury of a spouse and guilty to one felony count of false imprisonment by menace, violence, fraud or deceit.—
Diane J. Cho,
People.com,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
At a time when homicides and shootings are dropping dramatically in Baltimore, new data shows the city still averages at least one carjacking a day.—
Rebecca Pryor,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Mar. 2025
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Investigators initially charged Kyle Hill, 33, with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide before upgrading the charges to first degree murder and attempted first degree murder, St. Petersburg police announced on Wednesday.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
People.com,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The men’s tour is trying to ignite the senses beyond the majors by reshaping the game’s blood, sweat and tears as a touchpoint.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
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Exposure to benzene over long periods of time can decrease the production of blood cells and potentially lead to cancers like leukemia and other blood disorders.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Two killings in 27 hours A short while later, in April 2023, Messiah Nantwi detonated.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
16 Mar. 2025
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Police got the suspect’s description from security camera footage at Nash’s home in the 4900 block of Melinda Drive, where the killings took place.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foul play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foul%20play. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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