Synonyms of betrays

betrays

verb

present tense third-person singular of betray

1

as in crosses

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

• crosses
• sells (out)
• two-times
• backstabs
• double-crosses
• stabs in the back
• shops
• sells down the river
• gives away
• goes back on
• informs (on)
• splits (on)
• tells (on)
• snitches (on)
• turns in
• rats (on)
• peaches

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• protects
• defends
• saves
• shields
• stands by
• guards
• safeguards

2

as in reveals

to make known (something abstract) through outward signs

his face betrayed his exasperation with his nosy neighbor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reveals
• displays
• shows
• demonstrates
• evinces
• exposes
• manifests
• communicates
• declares
• bespeaks
• discloses
• gives away
• announces
• sounds
• uncovers
• proclaims
• bares
• advertises
• publicizes
• airs
• uncloaks
• broadcasts
• unbosoms
• blazes
• trumpets
• projects
• placards

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• belies
• misrepresents
• distorts
• falsifies
• disguises
• twists
• camouflages
• conceals
• obscures
• hides
• covers
• gilds
• garbles
• masks
• occludes
• glosses (over)
• varnishes
• whitewashes
• veils
• counterfeits

3

as in tempts

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

• tempts
• seduces
• persuades
• entices
• lures
• beguiles
• solicits
• leads on
• allures
• fascinates
• decoys
• baits
• traps
• entraps
• ensnares
• enchants
• captivates
• draws in
• enmeshes
• snows
• inveigles
• meshes
• catches
• magnetizes
• tangles
• snares
• bewitches
• charms
• ropes (in)
• wiles

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• warns
• cautions
• alerts
• drives (away or off)
• forewarns
• turns away
• wards (off)
• repulses

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of betrays

While voters’ choices have been, more often than not, defensible, the unanimity betrays a lack of imagination and drains any hint of drama from the ceremony. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

The series follows Mónica, a newly qualified lawyer who learns to defraud clients, manipulates her family to secure an inheritance, then betrays her mentor. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026

If one betrays secrets for money, their sale reveals that people within elite institutions are out for themselves, looking to profit from insider positions. — Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

The treatment of those on board betrays that promise—and it is not limited to just this one ship on this one very long deployment. — Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026

People don’t do what they’re supposed to, or someone betrays someone else for money or power or spite, or maybe a dragon just disobeys its rider and decides to murder a prince. — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Yes, Lyssa withdraws her nomination for Surgeon General, her husband betrays her, and her oncologist best friend, Judith, throws herself into the Potomac during a Tashlich service. — Rhoda Feng, New Yorker, 31 July 2026

And there's a saying in America, if someone betrays you, you've been sold down the river. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 July 2026

The Ghoul betrays Lucy during the journey, but does, eventually redeem himself, somewhat. — The Deadline Team, Deadline, 10 June 2026