BETRAY Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

betray

verb

bi-ˈtrā

Definition of betray next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reveal

to make known (something abstract) through outward signs his face betrayed his exasperation with his nosy neighbor

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to tempt

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Just a few hours before his lineup looked listless and his management betrayed a lack of urgency, DeRosa also fondly regaled the media with an account of how late his team stayed in the clubhouse drinking and celebrating their win the night before. —

Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026 During her testimony on Wednesday, the wife said all three of those officials and their security officers betrayed her husband by failing to protect him when the couple was under attack. —

Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026 In this future, the lines between musical genres are blurred, the rapper herself is a household name, and Black women live nuanced lives that do not require us to betray our multiplicity and magnitude. —

Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026 Mindi's friends now accept that they were all betrayed by Nick. —

Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for betray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for betray

Verb

His extensive writing crossed the boundaries of academic and philosophical disciplines, providing a vision of modern society and social interaction.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
So far, Iran appears to avoiding that prospect, letting two Indian tankers cross the strait on Saturday.

— Zach LaChance, The Washington Examiner, 15 Mar. 2026

Definition of cross

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bet (on)

betray

betrayal

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“Betray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/betray. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 19 Mar 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of betray

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