Definition of turncoat
:one who switches to an opposing side or party;
specifically
:traitor
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
Explore M-W
Examples of turncoat in a Sentence
the plot of the story revolved around the gangster's relentless determination to learn the identity of the turncoat
Recent Examples of turncoat from the Web
-
The bulk of the Lannister forces, reinforced by the turncoat Tarlys, had left Casterly Rock to strike at the Tyrells at Highgarden.
-
Their mission: to spirit a Stasi turncoat to safety.
-
The leak involved the then-secret cooperation of Outfit turncoat Nicholas Calabrese, whose testimony led to the convictions of numerous mob figures in the landmark Operation Family Secrets.
-
The prosecution, relying on the testimony of turncoat mobsters that the defense labeled as opportunistic liars, alleged Asaro collected at least $500,000 from the score but had a gambling problem and squandered it away at the racetrack.
-
All of the corruption, greed and totalitarianism is coming from the Democrats and a handful of turncoat RINOS.
-
Speaking of potential turncoats, how long before Spencer goes full Savior?
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'turncoat.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of turncoat
1557
turncoat Synonyms
Synonyms
apostate, backstabber, betrayer, double-crosser, double-dealer, Judas, quisling, recreant, serpent, snake, traitorRelated Words
accommodationist, collaborationist, collaborator, sellout, subversive, subverter; coconspirator, conspirator, intriguer, plotter, schemer; defector, deserter, renegade; blabbermouth, gossip, gossiper, gossipmonger, informant, informer, rat, rumormonger, snitch, snitcher, squealer, stool pigeon, talebearer, talker, tattler, tattletale, telltaleTURNCOAT Defined for English Language Learners
turncoat
play
noun
Definition of turncoat for English Language Learners
-
: a person who stops being a member of a group in order to join another group that opposes it
Learn More about turncoat
-
See words that rhyme with turncoat Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for turncoat Spanish Central: Translation of turncoat Nglish: Translation of turncoat for Spanish speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up turncoat? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!