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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples of betray in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web Knull created the symbiotes, who then betrayed him by trapping him in the center of their homeworld. —

Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 24 Oct. 2024 Because most Millennial movies betray us, Head of State is more relevant to our current circumstances than films that are part of the regular corporate-media hoax. —

Armond White, National Review, 23 Oct. 2024 Seething about his symbiote children having betrayed and imprisoned him in some dark cavern in a distant universe, Knull dispatches a bunch of fearsome creatures called xenophages, giant spidery-reptilian things that love to snack on symbiotes. —

David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Oct. 2024 Feeling betrayed, Edgar assumes a new identity as a beggar and goes no-contact with his family. —

Jeanette Tran, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for betray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for betray

Verb

After crossing the Red Sea, totality will be experienced in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, then Somalia, before an eclipsed sun will set southeast in the Indian Ocean southeast of the Chagos Islands.

Jamie Carter, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Both candidates have crossed these states in the final days of their campaigns, hoping to sway undecided voters and solidify their bases.

TIME Staff, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024