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

Snow, rain, and low visibility can also just prove treacherous for a drive. — Mara Balagtas, Condé Nast Traveler, "Great Drives: A European Tour in a Maserati Levante," 13 July 2018 The Thai rescue operation is probably more treacherous than others because of the sheer size of the cave, the oncoming monsoon season, and the isolated area. — Mike James, USA TODAY, "Thailand cave rescue: Why can't they drill from above, other questions you want answered," 6 July 2018 While many Americans dislike incendiary ads, empowering tech titans to dictate the decency of political advertising leads down a treacherous path. — Mark Epstein, WSJ, "Internet Platforms Censor Campaign Ads," 5 Nov. 2018 But that’s a treacherous path to walk in a country that already feels near fracture. — Ezra Klein, Vox, "The rigging of American politics," 16 Oct. 2018 In the last week, Alsup and his bus have rescued 53 dogs and 11 cats from South Carolina shelters that were in Florence’s treacherous path, as first reported by the Greenville News. — Meagan Flynn, The Seattle Times, "Noah’s Ark except it’s a school bus: Truck driver rescues 64 dogs and cats from floods of Hurricane Florence," 17 Sep. 2018 Being true to yourself by embracing your sexuality and understanding your gender identity can be a treacherous path from many in the community. — Muri Assunção, Billboard, "8 Britney Spears Songs for Your Pride Month Playlist: Listen," 20 June 2018 Ekapol helped keep the boys breathing and emotionally balanced during the crisis, and also readied them for their hours-long treacherous escape guided by expert cave divers. — Kristin Clark Taylor, Washington Post, "Thai soccer coach meditated with boys to calm them in the cave. We can all learn from them.," 11 July 2018 The lush forests of northern Thailand are home to hundreds of caves that attract visitors, but Tham Luang Nang Non is deeper and more dangerous than most, and especially treacherous during the rainy season. — Times Staff, latimes.com, "A curious soccer team, a flooded Thai cave and a perilous trek to safety," 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.