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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reveals
to make known (something abstract) through outward signs
his face betrayed his exasperation with his nosy neighbor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of betrays
In Butterfly, Perabo plays the head of a powerful private intelligence agency called Caddis — and her character betrays the show’s protagonist, David Jung (played by Kim), to seize sole control of the company.
—
Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
But then one betrays the other by penning a book based on the life of the other, calling into question whether great art is worth the cost.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025
Simplicity doesn’t mean a lack of craft; on the contrary, the menu betrays an artisan’s penchant for creative inefficiencies.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2025
In the finale, B-Mickie betrays Lamar again by shooting him.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 16 Aug. 2025
Voting rights advocates say the trend betrays the promise of direct democracy.
—Kate Payne, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025
Macron’s announcement, however well-intentioned, betrays that principle.
—Nolan Lebovitz, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
But then one betrays the other by penning a book based on the life of the other, calling into question whether great art is worth the cost.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025
Simplicity doesn’t mean a lack of craft; on the contrary, the menu betrays an artisan’s penchant for creative inefficiencies.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2025
In the finale, B-Mickie betrays Lamar again by shooting him.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 16 Aug. 2025
Voting rights advocates say the trend betrays the promise of direct democracy.
—Kate Payne, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025
Macron’s announcement, however well-intentioned, betrays that principle.
—Nolan Lebovitz, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for betrays
Verb
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Woman of the Hour In her directorial debut, Anna Kendrick stars as aspiring actress Sheryl Bradshaw, who unknowingly crosses paths with a covert serial killer (Daniel Zovatto) while appearing on The Dating Game.—
Jacqueline Weiss,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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At 147 minutes, the film occasionally crosses it, settling into rhythms more punishing than profound.—
Leila Latif,
IndieWire,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This approach reveals new markets and business models centered on sustainability, wellness and regenerative practices.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Here, Simmons reveals his tips for better communication and offers an essential nugget of advice for young entrepreneurs.—
Tim Brinkhof,
Big Think,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The device contains, among other things, doorways to other dimensions, including one that tempts Peacemaker with a seemingly storybook version of his broken family.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Aug. 2025
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Perhaps the thought of no more disappointment tempts you.—
Shai Tubali,
Big Think,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Writing, directing and starring in Maddie’s Secret is an impressive balancing act from Early, who displays a sharp understanding of what moments in Maddie’s life are most suited for comedy.—
Jourdain Searles,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
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White oak White oak is a large shade tree displays deep red to coppery-brown fall color.—
Chris McKeown,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Everything about the scene seduces the viewer into what dining while traveling in the most luxurious fashion could be, and once was.—
Kristin L. Wolfe,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
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In his youth, the blue-eyed Stamp was widely considered one of the most handsome men onscreen, and Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini used that to peculiar effect in Teorema (1968), casting the actor as a nameless and wordless visitor who seduces an entire household.—
Rhett Bartlett,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Thanks to amazing performances, wild fashion choices, and unexpected moments, the MTV Video Music Awards is typically one of the buzzier awards shows — and this year was no exception.—
Daysia Tolentino,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Sep. 2025
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This forecast cone from the National Hurricane Center shows only the probable path of the center of a storm.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Fueled by rage and an insatiable desire for freedom, Isaac persuades Charles to keep the plantation.—
Ed Meza,
Variety,
28 Aug. 2025
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Authenticity, not polish, is increasingly what persuades.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
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As history demonstrates, peace deals can be thrown overboard when an aggressor senses an opportunity to gain advantage.—
Daniel R. DePetris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
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Data from a 2024 study that my colleague and I published in the American Journal of Public Health demonstrates that Black Chicagoans were the only race group to experience significant increases in suicide among both male and female residents between 2015 and 2021.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Betrays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/betrays. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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