betray

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of betray This is a deeply emotional film in high concept clothing, coded to resonate with those of us well-versed in the instinct to betray ourselves in order to be accepted. Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2025 Souter, in particular, as the newest Justice in that majority, was seen as having betrayed the conservative legal movement. Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 May 2025 Boston Rob led Redemption Island by instituting a buddy system so his Ometepe alliance couldn’t betray him. Stephen Fishbach, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025 Two of their mothers across generations contend with involuntary reactions, one gagging, the other laughing, reflections on the ways our bodies can betray us. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for betray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for betray
Verb
  • Israel finally agreed to ease the blockade on Sunday and said that 93 trucks had crossed the border on Tuesday and that an additional 107 had yesterday.
    Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
  • Five runs had crossed the plate before the Royals defense escaped the top of the first inning.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Bank of America data reveals that domestic travel is up 3% as Americans, facing economic uncertainty, opt to explore closer to home rather than expensive overseas trips.
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 24 May 2025
  • The observations revealed the companion galaxy is moving toward the quasar-hosting galaxy at about 1.2 million miles per hour (2 million kilometers per hour), indicating the two are in the midst of a high-speed collision.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Users might be tempted to delay applying the update until there’s clarity from Microsoft, but often these reports are only seen afterward.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • One might be tempted to say that this dismissal is merely another episode in the grotesque sitcom that is Trumpian politics.
    Jack Hill, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • The artists’ works will be displayed at the Tribeca Festival Hub at Spring Studios throughout the festival before being presented to this year’s festival award winners.
    Marc Malkin, Variety, 20 May 2025
  • Like Leads and Contacts, Insightly displays Opportunities in a table by default.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Sirens is smartest when paralleling the entitlement of 21st century American wealth with Ancient Greek divinity, skewering the insularity and entitlement of these modern plutocrats who throw galas to honor themselves and to torment or seduce the mortals who are their employees and playthings.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025
  • This would suck capital investment back to America in a nanosecond and financially seduce companies to reshore factories, labs and headquarters back here with bargain-low tax rates.
    Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • In fact, a recent study from Deloitte actually showed that around 25% of currently existing Bitcoins—a figure that amounts to roughly $40 billion—are currently vulnerable to quantum attacks.
    Amit Sinha, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Roundabout Theatre Company showed Kander clapping in gratitude in a clip from the event shared on their Instagram. Lopez overhauled her appearance before attending the invite-only afterparty at Bryant Park Grill in New York City.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter was already on the phone, trying to persuade Jones to sign with the Chargers, but Tart’s phone calls served to seal the deal for Jones, who also had played with current Chargers Bud Dupree, an outside linebacker, and Elijah Molden, a safety, while with the Titans.
    Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 13 May 2025
  • For Syria’s new government, this will be their opportunity to persuade the new administration to do business with a country coming out of a devastating 13-year civil war and mend ties with a leader who was once aligned with the Islamic State and al Qaeda.
    Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Jeffrey will reveal the double-crossing FBI agent’s identity provided he’s given protection after Beatrix is in custody.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 8 May 2025
  • This is the second view of political leadership: double-cross, cheat, bully, cajole, break the conventions and rules – do whatever works!
    John Nemec, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Betray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/betray. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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