treacherous

adjective

treach·er·ous | \ˈtre-chə-rəs,

ˈtrech-rəs\

Definition of treacherous

1a : likely to betray trust : unreliable a treacherous memory

b : providing insecure footing or support treacherous quicksand

c : marked by hidden dangers, hazards, or perils

2 : characterized by or manifesting treachery : perfidious

Other Words from treacherous Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about treacherous

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Choose the Right Synonym for treacherous

faithless, false, disloyal, traitorous, treacherous, perfidious mean untrue to what should command one's fidelity or allegiance. faithless applies to any failure to keep a promise or pledge or any breach of allegiance or loyalty. faithless allies false stresses the fact of failing to be true in any manner ranging from fickleness to cold treachery. betrayed by false friends disloyal implies a lack of complete faithfulness to a friend, cause, leader, or country. disloyal to their country traitorous implies either actual treason or a serious betrayal of trust. traitorous acts punishable by death treacherous implies readiness to betray trust or confidence. a treacherous adviser perfidious adds to faithless the implication of an incapacity for fidelity or reliability. a perfidious double-crosser

Examples of treacherous in a Sentence

a treacherous act of betrayal They were not prepared to hike over such treacherous terrain. The snow made their hike all the more treacherous. Discussions about money can lead couples into treacherous territory.

Recent Examples on the Web

Creating a map of treacherous and friendly locations Instead of guessing which ones are helpful, the researchers built a simplified model of the magnetic fields associated with the plasma. — Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "A third dimension helps Tokamak fusion reactor avoid wall-destroying instability," 13 Sep. 2018 Morrison explained his deep belief in the righteousness of crushing the people-smuggling trade and preserving the safety of people who board rickety boats to take the long and treacherous voyage to Australia. — Rod Mcguirk, Fox News, "Next Australian prime minister well placed to heal party," 23 Aug. 2018 Today, with Mexico’s economy and birth rate both stable, nearly half come from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador—weak states wracked by gang violence—enduring a costly and treacherous journey north. — The Economist, "America’s immigration system is broken," 28 June 2018 The tournament rotates among sites of disparate design — some old, some new, but all configured with impossible rough and treacherous greens designed to crush a golfer’s spirit. — Marcus Hayes, Philly.com, "Curtis Strange embraces the idea of Brooks Koepka joining his U.S. Open club," 18 June 2018 The fire brigade changed the guidance at 2:47 a.m. By that time, the building's only stairwell was smoke-filled and treacherous. — Jill Lawless, chicagotribune.com, "A year on, Grenfell Tower 'atrocity' haunts Britain," 14 June 2018 The journey New Orleans had to go through to reach this stage was a long and treacherous one, but the path to sustaining that success will be twice as difficult. — William Guillory, NOLA.com, "Pelicans' playoff success leads to added recognition, but what happens next could be telling," 26 May 2018 Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha visited one of the hospitals treating the boys on Tuesday, and told the press that the team members had been given anti-anxiety medication before undertaking the long, treacherous journey to freedom. — Madeleine Aggeler, The Cut, "All 12 Thai Soccer Players and Their Coach Have Been Rescued," 10 July 2018 One by one, the first four to be rescued emerged after a treacherous, hourslong journey through the tight, underwater passageways of Tham Luang Cave. — New York Times, "In Daring Underwater Cave Rescue, 4 of 13 Thai Are Freed," 8 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'treacherous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.