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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 But the impact of that seismic shock has dwarfed just how handily Sinner was beating Cerúndolo until his body betrayed him. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 26 June 2026 Babeuf was betrayed by an informant, put on trial in 1797, and eventually acquitted of conspiracy, but he was executed for committing his ideas about inequality to print. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 After shooting up to an all-time high of over $225, shares of the rocket company have swung wildly back down to Earth, betraying plenty of uncertainty over the company’s dizzying, north-of-$2-trillion market cap. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 1 July 2026 Even worse, physician groups betraying the public’s trust out of fear of government retaliation has permanent consequences, especially when the government’s actions have since been deemed unconstitutional. — Kavitha Ranganathan, STAT, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for betray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for betray

Verb

Traffic through the Strait had remained steady in recent days but was not increasing, according to a post from the UKMTO Sunday, which warned risks remained for vessels crossing the crucial waterway.

— Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
The first shot sees Haaland sitting in a folding chair with his arms strongly crossed while wearing his red, white and blue kit.

— Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Definition of cross

Verb

Studies reveal a growing 'proximity bias,' where in-office employees are more likely to receive promotions and recognition, with career prospects for remote workers declining.

— Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
The alleged rape was reported by The Athletic in May, though the identity of the player was not revealed at the time.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026

Definition of reveal

Verb

Now the game’s future is looking decidedly brighter and many more players of the original may be tempted to give the sequel a second chance.

— Barry Collins, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
If the thermostat is working properly but the air conditioner is struggling, don't be tempted to turn down the temperature even more.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 July 2026

Definition of tempt

Verb

Set in the 1980s, when Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles novels were first released, Rivals is a tongue-in-cheek period drama about the cutthroat world of regional-television franchises, whose characters backstab and smoke and screw with relish.

— Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
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

Definition of backstab

Verb

The lethality of the Russian assaults on Kyiv in the past week displays the challenge Ukraine faces in protecting its capital as Russia innovates and steps up its attacks.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
While your site displays static portfolio shots, Instagram can show the messy but rich middle—the tricky client requests, the material samples, the iteration process that turns a concept into reality.

— Danine Alati, Architectural Digest, 6 July 2026

Definition of display

Verb

That book is a revenge fantasy about the former art school professor who seduced her, discarded her and destroyed her confidence as a painter.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 2 July 2026
The writer thinks that the person seducing the main character is just some flotsam, hardly worth a second look.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 June 2026

Definition of seduce

Verb

Now and then, the series jumps ahead about 60 years, where Blethyn’s Emma, now an incredibly wealthy and powerful department-store mogul, is dealing with double-crossing relatives and an excess of shag carpeting.

— Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2026
However, the Source double-crosses her, and Phoebe is left stuck in the Underworld, unable to warn her sisters of the initial attack.

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 2 June 2026

Definition of double-cross

Verb

In fact, research shows that when given the choice, on-site work remains the least popular option across every age range according to Gallup.

— Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
The younger James, who was drafted in the second round in 2024 to form the first father-son duo in NBA history, showed steady improvement during his second season.

— Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of show

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betrayal

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“Betray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/betray. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of betray

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