turncoat

noun

turn·​coat ˈtərn-ˌkōt 

: one who switches to an opposing side or party

specifically : traitor

Synonyms

• apostate
• backstabber
• betrayer
• double-crosser
• double-dealer
• Judas
• quisling
• recreant
• serpent
• snake
• traitor

Examples of turncoat in a Sentence

the plot of the story revolved around the gangster's relentless determination to learn the identity of the turncoat

Recent Examples on the Web

Others to Watch: Marc Andreessen: A vc worth $1.9 billion, Andreessen made waves as an ex-Democrat donating to pro-Trump groups—among the first key Silicon Valley turncoats—and went to Mar-A-Lago on election night. —Joe Walsh, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Some of you certainly want Cowboy-loving turncoat Isaac shipped off to Axios Dallas, pronto. —Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 27 Nov. 2024

For instance, the story of Armand, the accidental turncoat semi-ex-mafia guy played by Max Casella, could easily have come from either of the crime masterpieces Winter worked on. —Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2024

With a turncoat on the loose among the agents, time is of the essence to root out the loose cannon before they, ahem, fire. —Charlie Mason, TVLine, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1566, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

turncoat

noun

turn·​coat ˈtərn-ˌkōt 

: a person on one side who goes over to the other