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
And there's a saying in America, if someone betrays you, you've been sold down the river.
—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
3 July 2026
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
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
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
3 July 2026
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
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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Vic examines the game’s boundaries and repeatedly crosses them, while mostly failing to keep a straight face.
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The trail starts in a glade, crosses a bridge over a creek, then emerges into alpine pasture and scree surrounded by high peaks.
Verb
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The Public Policy Institute of California reveals that people who participated in college courses while at CDCR are 31% more likely to secure jobs after release.
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Michelle Obama reveals the 'perfect' date night A perfect date night for the Obamas looks like fine dining paired with intellectually stimulating conversation.
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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The lethality of the Russian assaults on Kyiv in the last week displays the challenge Ukraine faces in protecting its capital as Russia innovates and steps up its attacks.
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The back of Greg Gates' shirt displays a summary of his stats over his years of running the Peachtree.
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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Gallup research shows that managers account for at least 70% of the variance in team engagement across organizations.
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An Atlanta Journal-Constitution analysis shows the executive spent roughly three-quarters of that — more than $83 million — on television and cable advertising.
Verb
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Your warmth persuades when details sparkle today.
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When he is held captive by the nymph Calypso, Athena persuades Zeus to secure Odysseus’s release.
Verb
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Consider if the side gig adds unique skills, demonstrates entrepreneurship, or could be perceived as a distraction or conflict of interest.
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The advocacy group Stand Up for Science has posted advice on writing comments, along with an extremely lengthy and detailed submission that demonstrates just how comprehensive a comment can be.
Cite this Entry
“Betrays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/betrays. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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