turncoat

noun

turn·​coat ˈtərn-ˌkōt 

: one who switches to an opposing side or party

specifically : traitor

Synonyms of turncoat

• traitor

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 on the Web

The Conservatives, currently led by Kemi Badenoch, slammed Braverman following her defection, characterizing her as an inevitable turncoat and questioning her mental faculties. —Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 26 Jan. 2026

But the result is that a fair number of former Sanders allies or staffers have turned out to be MAGA turncoats, cranks, or washed out of politics altogether. —Ryan Cooper, Washington Post, 20 Jan. 2026

What starts as an innocent father/daughter college visit takes a shocking turn when Tony brutally strangles a Mob turncoat. —Dan Snierson, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Dec. 2025

Her father joined her in denouncing Trump as a threat to the republic, earning him enmity from fellow Republicans as a turncoat and accolades from even fierce Democrats as democracy's hero. —Susan Page, USA Today, 20 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1566, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for turncoat

• afloat
• azote
• banknote
• bareboat
• benzoate
• connote
• cutthroat
• demote
• denote
• devote
• endnote
• footnote

Kids Definition

turncoat

noun

turn·​coat ˈtərn-ˌkōt 

: a person on one side who goes over to the other