treachery

noun

treach·​ery ˈtre-chə-rē How to pronounce treachery (audio)
ˈtrech-rē
plural treacheries
Synonyms of treachery
1
: violation of allegiance or of faith and confidence : treason
2
: an act of perfidy or treason

Synonyms of treachery

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Examples of treachery in a Sentence

a tale of treachery and revenge was furious that she revealed his secret and never forgave her for the treachery
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This is not treachery but the truest and noblest affection. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 But Bateman's treachery also had a distinctly silly side. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Apr. 2026 Guides spoke of the monthlong siege that ended only because of the treachery of a local noble who turned on the sultan and allowed British troops to scale the walls. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 2 July 2026 Inflamed by Ratansen’s adviser’s account of Padmavati’s beauty, Alauddin Khalji storms the fortress by treachery rather than valor. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for treachery

Word History

Etymology

Middle English trecherie, from Anglo-French, from trecher, tricher to deceive, from Vulgar Latin *triccare — more at trick entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of treachery was in the 13th century

Rhymes for treachery

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Browse Nearby Words

treacherousness
treachery
treacle
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Cite this Entry

“Treachery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treachery. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

treachery

noun
treach·​ery ˈtrech-(ə-)rē How to pronounce treachery (audio)
plural treacheries
1
: violation of allegiance or of faith and confidence : treason
2
: an act of treason

More from Merriam-Webster on treachery

Nglish: Translation of treachery for Spanish Speakers

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