betray

Definition of betraynext
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 Tyrion bravely led the defense of King’s Landing, betrayed outside the gates by the King’s Guard. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 The face’s centrality to social life is inscribed in our language, in the metaphors that betray our world view. Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Even worse, physician groups betraying the public’s trust out of fear of government retaliation has permanent consequences, especially when the government’s actions have since been deemed unconstitutional. Kavitha Ranganathan, STAT, 29 June 2026 But the impact of that seismic shock has dwarfed just how handily Sinner was beating Cerúndolo until his body betrayed him. Ava Wallace, New York Times, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for betray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for betray
Verb
  • After Florian Wirtz crossed in from the left side of the pitch, Kai Havertz got just enough of his head on the ball to flick it into the far side of the goal.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
  • Vic examines the game’s boundaries and repeatedly crosses them, while mostly failing to keep a straight face.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Studies reveal a growing 'proximity bias,' where in-office employees are more likely to receive promotions and recognition, with career prospects for remote workers declining.
    Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • The alleged rape was reported by The Athletic in May, though the identity of the player was not revealed at the time.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Known as Vision 2030, profits from gas and oil have been pumped into the development of a leisure infrastructure to tempt tourists and boost the level of business to local companies.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • Although some folks advise using a shortcut, don’t be tempted to use your oven.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Set in the 1980s, when Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles novels were first released, Rivals is a tongue-in-cheek period drama about the cutthroat world of regional-television franchises, whose characters backstab and smoke and screw with relish.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
  • Of the 24 cast members who make up Survivor 50, there are plenty whose skills set them up as a huge threat, either for their strategic minds, their willingness to backstab, or their likeability factor.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Content resided on websites, and monetization depended on attracting human readers to specific digital locations where ads could be displayed.
    Vincentas Grinius, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • The landlord will then have to pay upfront and bill the applicant with a receipt displaying the third-party vendor cost within 14 days.
    Ben Szalinski, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • The writer thinks that the person seducing the main character is just some flotsam, hardly worth a second look.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 June 2026
  • Blyth was nominated in the supporting role as Mildred's spoiled daughter, Veda, who seduces her mother's second husband (Zachary Scott), then riddles him with bullets in a jealous rage.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Now and then, the series jumps ahead about 60 years, where Blethyn’s Emma, now an incredibly wealthy and powerful department-store mogul, is dealing with double-crossing relatives and an excess of shag carpeting.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2026
  • Things go awry when he’s double-crossed.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In fact, research shows that when given the choice, on-site work remains the least popular option across every age range according to Gallup.
    Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • The younger James, who was drafted in the second round in 2024 to form the first father-son duo in NBA history, showed steady improvement during his second season.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Betray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/betray. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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