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

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

But while Kozue is a genuine, unapologetic weirdo, the film that is constructed around her soon betrays a less imaginative, more normative impulse — so much so that this coming-of-age story ultimately leaves a bitter taste. — Elena Lazic, Variety, 25 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 anxiety that expanding representation will displace Lincoln or Washington betrays a curious fragility. — The Atlantic, 16 June 2026

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

Much contemporary anti-glamour sentiment betrays a strain of misogyny, even when wielded by women of good intent. — Eileen G'sell, The Conversation, 8 June 2026

This seemingly innocent proposal betrays how little some politicians think of American seniors. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 24 May 2026

Don’t skip eye cream The under-eye area is often the first place that betrays a late night or an early alarm. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026