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
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 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
-
The uppermost part of this orbit crosses the orbit of the International Space Station, but aerodynamic drag will quickly pull all the debris fragments below the ISS.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
15 June 2026
-
By Wednesday and Thursday, another NEXT Weather Alert may be needed as a strong storm system crosses the area, bringing another chance of severe weather, especially Thursday night.—
Andrew Kozak,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
Unlike the novel, where Charlie confesses that truth to Sam, the series’ Charlie holds the secret until Percy reveals it to Sam.—
Lexy Perez,
HollywoodReporter,
13 June 2026
-
The conversation reveals surprising similarities between the women, who have both endured personal loss, family turmoil and the pressures of running large ranching operations.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Daniel’s presence is but one of many not-so-subtle ways Lestat tempts Louis back into his life.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
7 June 2026
-
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.—
Sarah Shephard,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
In posters on classroom walls, the Standard Model displays 17 particles.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
15 June 2026
-
Pinney’s bold and free conception of how a drama is constituted, and its inseparability from time and memory, displays a rare associative virtuosity.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Intrigued, the Duke secretly seduces Gilda, breaks her heart and destroys Rigoletto’s life.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
-
The victim of his sacrifice is Gretchen, a virgin whom Faust seduces and abandons in his devilish reverie, and who kills their illegitimate child.—
Merve Emre,
New Yorker,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The budget shows salaries and benefits going up more than $300,000 and services and supplies going down nearly $200,000.—
Nina Burns,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
-
Times video taken at the scene shows one man lying on the ground, his leg bleeding and wrapped with a green garment as a tourniquet, while others help him.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
The entity warns a sleepwalking Donnie that the world will end in approximately 28 days and subsequently persuades him to carry out an escalating series of crimes in his community.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 June 2026
-
In an underdeveloped twist, Clark persuades his skeptical assistant, Kat (Lukita Maxwell), and her more gullible boyfriend, Bobby (Finn Bennett), to enter the Backrooms with him, armed with Bobby’s camcorder.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
This case demonstrates that our Office will work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who seek to profit through fraud.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
-
For others, the salary cap proposal demonstrates pure greed from owners who are all fabulously wealthy yet perennially crying poor.—
David Faris,
TheWeek,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Betrays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/betrays. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
