foul Synonyms
Another word for foul
• noun (Context 1)
An unfair or invalid stroke, piece of play, or physical contact that violates the rules of a sport or game.
"The referee blew his whistle and called a personal infraction on the defending guard."
• adjective (Context 2)
Offensive to the senses, especially through having a disgusting smell or taste or being visibly filthy.
"A disgusting odor drifted up from the clogged kitchen drain."
• adjective (Context 3)
Wicked, immoral, or dishonorable in nature; violating accepted standards of decency or fairness.
"The detective immediately suspected that the missing businessman had met with vile play."
• adjective (Context 4)
In sports, outside the designated playing area or contrary to the established rules of the game.
"The batter hit a sharp out-of-bounds ball into the third-base stands."
• verb (Context 5)
To make something dirty, polluted, or disgustingly filthy, especially with waste or noxious matter.
"Industrial runoff had fouled the river for decades before environmental regulations were enacted."
• adjective (Context 6)
Wet, stormy, and rough (especially of weather), or extremely disagreeable and bad-tempered (of a mood).
"The ferry crossing was delayed by inclement weather and choppy seas."
• noun (Context 7)
In baseball, a batted ball that settles outside the baselines between home plate and first or third base, or passes outside the foul poles.
"She fouled off three pitches in a row before hitting a single up the middle."
• verb (Context 8)
To entangle, jam, or clog a rope, anchor, cable, or piece of machinery so that it cannot operate freely.
"Thick mats of kelp fouled the boat's propeller near the harbor entrance."
• adverb (Context 9)
In an unfair, dishonest, or rule-breaking manner, or into an entangled or erroneous state.
"Any competitor who plays unfairly during the tournament will be immediately disqualified."
Opposites of foul
The opposite of foul shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: