betray

Definition of betraynext
1
as in to cross
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

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb betray differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of betray are disclose, divulge, reveal, and tell. While all these words mean "to make known what has been or should be concealed," betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

When is it sensible to use disclose instead of betray?

Although the words disclose and betray have much in common, disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

When can divulge be used instead of betray?

While the synonyms divulge and betray are close in meaning, divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

When could reveal be used to replace betray?

While in some cases nearly identical to betray, reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.

divine will as revealed in sacred writings

In what contexts can tell take the place of betray?

The words tell and betray are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

told them what he had overheard

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 betray The case centers on Musk’s claim that OpenAI, Altman and Microsoft betrayed OpenAI's original mission as a nonprofit to benefit humanity by forming a for-profit entity in March 2019, 13 months after Musk left the OpenAI board. Deepa Seetharaman, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026 After over a decade of partnership, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is suing OpenAI CEO Sam Altman for more than $130 billion, alleging that Altman and OpenAI cofounder Greg Brockman swindled him and betrayed the company’s founding charitable mission. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026 The mothers of the victims said Chasing Horse betrayed their trust and abused sacred traditions. CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026 Fans of Summer House have been eager to find out whether Batula and Wilson would take accountability at the reunion for betraying Miller. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for betray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for betray
Verb
  • Already, Kathy Luther, of the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, has put in an application for a brownfield coalition assessment grant and is crossing her fingers.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
  • Because crossing four lanes of onrushing traffic was too risky.
    Lucius Riccio, New York Daily News, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • With the Moon now moving through your 7th House of Partnership, conversations become more direct, honest, and revealing in a useful way.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
  • Malone revealed that the Big Ass Stadium Tour Part 2, with Jelly Roll and Carter Faith, will resume on May 16 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • They’d be tempted to betray themselves or others.
    Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • The best part is, Baggu has a vast selection of reusable bags on their Amazon page that are so cute, you’ll be tempted to collect them all.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • Mata was also concerned about how the data failed to display how INA staff works with the lowest English proficiency students in the district — specifically those who are unschooled, and oftentimes refugees who have just entered the country.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The Pennsylvania Governor could be seen bustling around his office, being sure to display all of his Eagles gear to prepare for the mystery visit.
    Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Thomas Hicks, 68, of Lakeland, faces numerous charges including human trafficking and using a computer to seduce a child.
    Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
  • From the fiery lake of damnation, Lucifer rises as Satan to seduce humanity’s first parents, Adam and Eve, in the flawless Garden of Eden, triggering the Fall of Man and the loss of Paradise itself.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Of the 24 cast members who make up Survivor 50, there are plenty whose skills set them up as a huge threat, either for their strategic minds, their willingness to backstab, or their likeability factor.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2026
  • One of them tried to backstab the hero, the other one helped raise the terrible, evil god that the hero had to defeat.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Many fans came to show their support for the third-year forward, whom the Sky traded to the Dream on April 6 for two future first-round draft picks.
    Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Game 5 showed two things at once.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Sessions testified as a defense witness on Monday that Rivera enlisted him in 2017 to persuade Maduro to step down and hold democratic elections in Venezuela.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
  • While the Scandinavian interior might persuade you to spend the weekend lounging on the sheepskin rug or admiring the view from the wrap-around windows, the true perks exist beyond the property’s four walls.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Betray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/betray. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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