Synonyms of betray

betray

verb

bi-ˈtrā 

1

as in to cross

to be unfaithful or disloyal to

childhood friends of movie stars often betray them by telling their secrets to the supermarket tabloids

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cross
• sell (out)
• backstab
• double-cross
• stab in the back
• two-time
• shop
• sell down the river
• go back on
• give away
• inform (on)
• tell (on)
• snitch (on)
• split (on)
• turn in
• peach
• rat (on)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• protect
• defend
• save
• safeguard
• stand by
• guard
• shield

2

as in to reveal

to make known (something abstract) through outward signs

his face betrayed his exasperation with his nosy neighbor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reveal
• display
• show
• demonstrate
• expose
• evince
• communicate
• manifest
• declare
• disclose
• give away
• bespeak
• sound
• uncover
• announce
• proclaim
• bare
• advertise
• unbosom
• publicize
• uncloak
• broadcast
• air
• blaze
• project
• trumpet
• placard

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• misrepresent
• distort
• belie
• falsify
• disguise
• twist
• conceal
• hide
• camouflage
• obscure
• cover
• whitewash
• gild
• occlude
• veil
• gloss (over)
• mask
• garble
• varnish
• counterfeit

3

as in to tempt

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage

she was betrayed by a false show of friendship into covering up the crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tempt
• seduce
• persuade
• lure
• entice
• beguile
• solicit
• lead on
• allure
• decoy
• bait
• fascinate
• trap
• entrap
• ensnare
• enchant
• inveigle
• draw in
• rope (in)
• enmesh
• captivate
• snow
• bewitch
• catch
• mesh
• charm
• tangle
• snare
• magnetize
• wile
• immesh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• warn
• ward (off)
• alert
• caution
• drive (away or off)
• forewarn
• turn away
• repulse

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb betray differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of betray are disclose, divulge, reveal, and tell. While all these words mean "to make known what has been or should be concealed," betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

When is it sensible to use disclose instead of betray?

Although the words disclose and betray have much in common, disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

When can divulge be used instead of betray?

While the synonyms divulge and betray are close in meaning, divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

When could reveal be used to replace betray?

While in some cases nearly identical to betray, reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.

divine will as revealed in sacred writings

In what contexts can tell take the place of betray?

The words tell and betray are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

told them what he had overheard

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of betray

King’s struggle with temptation, doubt, faith and martyrdom mirrors the Biblical story of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane the night before he was betrayed. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2025

In Dembele’s early years at Barca, his body continually betrayed him. —Tom Williams, New York Times, 30 May 2025

Voices Hiltzik: Trump and Vance are dead wrong — economists unanimously agree that U.S. tariffs are a tax on American consumers Sept. 4, 2024 Trump’s tariff orders betray the same inattention to detail. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025

In the last minutes of the finale, Devon expresses her disbelief that her sister could betray Michaela in such a way. —Erin Jensen, USA Today, 24 May 2025