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 Yet he was determined not to betray how much the pressure weighed on him. Brent Lang, Variety, 20 June 2025 But when the reality of her situation sinks in, Ruth feels betrayed and flees the facility in search of something familiar. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 20 June 2025 Yet, no evidence ever surfaced that any gay or lesbian government worker had betrayed the U.S. under duress. Time, 20 June 2025 Thomas Gift, a political science professor at University College London, told Newsweek that many immigrants feel betrayed by current immigration policies, especially ones created under President Joe Biden. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for betray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for betray
Verb
  • Airplane passengers crossing the Indian Ocean who peered out their windows on Oct. 19, 2024, might have seen what looked like a fast-moving star suddenly flash and fade.
    Tom Brown, Space.com, 28 June 2025
  • The east and west crossing streets along the parade route will be closed, as will 4th Ave N from Broad Street to Denny Way, starting at noon for parade staging.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Instead, recent events in Iran have revealed that anti-Americanism can bind an alliance together only so much.
    Leon Aron, The Atlantic, 29 June 2025
  • The offer doesn’t reveal what the potential costs would be for the roads, sewers, utilities and other amenities.
    Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • At month 10, schedule a conversation focused entirely on what might tempt them away.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
  • Children may be tempted to touch the flames, which can reach temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees and some run with them, sometimes leading to eye impalement.
    Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • The bakery case displays the day’s dessert specials.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
  • The Meta logo is displayed during the Viva Technology show at Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles on May 22, 2024 in Paris, France.
    Kate Knibbs, Wired News, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • She was also found guilty of disorderly conduct for supposedly trying to seduce an undercover policewoman named Margaret Leonard, who’d been assigned to entrap her.
    Kellie B. Gormly, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
  • The first classic of the summer noir genre is no doubt René Clément’s adaptation of the Patricia Highsmith novel The Talented Mr. Ripley about a young American upstart who travels to Italy and murders a wealthy socialite before stealing his identity and seducing his wife.
    Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • What To Know The Susquehanna poll showed that Fetterman remains more popular than not with Pennsylvania voters, with 41 percent approving of him, compared to 37 percent disapproving.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • Organizations must show top performers specific examples of how excellence has led to advancement within the company.
    Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • As the relationship between the young couple became more serious, Sarah’s parents tried to show him the best of Kansas City in the hopes that Yaron — who grew up in Germany and Israel — might be persuaded to stay in the US.
    Wolf Blitzer, CNN Money, 29 June 2025
  • Even with that new path looming, though, his father, Ignacio, persuaded him to attend one last tryout in the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo that would be scouted by all 30 MLB teams.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Lee Byung-hun is also back as the double-crossing Front Man, formerly Player 001.
    Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Betray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/betray. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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