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
Relevance
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
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
Critics argue that the wanton use of such a powerful tool at best, betrays the dignity of the office and, at worst, spreads confusion and misinformation during times of national anxiety.
—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
Below, Akinnuoye-Agbaje breaks down the climactic episode, explaining why Alamo decides to let Rue kill herself and why Bishop betrays him.
—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
1 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
Sometimes a small chink in your camouflage betrays you to a wary tom.
—
Bruce Brady,
Outdoor Life,
8 Apr. 2026
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
Critics argue that the wanton use of such a powerful tool at best, betrays the dignity of the office and, at worst, spreads confusion and misinformation during times of national anxiety.
—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
Below, Akinnuoye-Agbaje breaks down the climactic episode, explaining why Alamo decides to let Rue kill herself and why Bishop betrays him.
—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
1 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
Sometimes a small chink in your camouflage betrays you to a wary tom.
—
Bruce Brady,
Outdoor Life,
8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for betrays
Verb
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When a player crosses 30, health increasingly becomes the hardest target to hit.
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An intuitive Moon crosses your 10th House of Career while Saturn, planet of lessons, rests in your 5th House of Creativity, and their quincunx nudges you to refine spotlight plans with care.
Verb
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New data from Bank of America reveals that consumer spending has increased as a result of millions of fans attending matches across North America.
-
Underneath is where the engineering reveals itself.
Verb
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Daniel’s presence is but one of many not-so-subtle ways Lestat tempts Louis back into his life.
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Doue and Dembele also drop into midfield, while Kvaratskhelia is his usual destructive self off the left, rounding off a nightmare of rotations and raw running power that tempts defences out of their shape before smashing through.
Verb
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Golden 1 Center displays a collection of vintage neon signs from historic local businesses, such as Shakey’s Pizza and Tower Records, on loan from the history center.
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Throughout, the living room TV displays his screen time.
Verb
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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.
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Intrigued, the Duke secretly seduces Gilda, breaks her heart and destroys Rigoletto’s life.
Verb
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Research shows over half of American travelers feel exhausted, with one in five admitting to booking a trip out of anger.
-
One feed shows real-time footage of the FIFA Fan Fest at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami, while another displays a map of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, where World Cup matches are being held.
Verb
-
Your warmth persuades when details sparkle today.
-
When he is held captive by the nymph Calypso, Athena persuades Zeus to secure Odysseus’s release.
Verb
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While generative AI has reignited concerns about AI taking over jobs, Oracle demonstrates one way AI can contribute to job losses beyond direct human replacements.
-
Commissioning the spacecraft ahead of schedule and immediately starting orbital maneuvers demonstrates the ability to respond rapidly during a crisis.
Cite this Entry
“Betrays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/betrays. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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