Synonyms of betray

betray

verb

bi-ˈtrā 

1

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

• cross
• sell (out)
• backstab
• double-cross
• stab in the back
• two-time
• shop
• sell down the river
• go back on
• give away
• inform (on)
• tell (on)
• snitch (on)
• split (on)
• turn in
• peach
• rat (on)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• protect
• defend
• save
• safeguard
• stand by
• guard
• shield

2

as in to reveal

to make known (something abstract) through outward signs

his face betrayed his exasperation with his nosy neighbor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reveal
• display
• show
• demonstrate
• expose
• evince
• communicate
• manifest
• declare
• disclose
• give away
• bespeak
• sound
• uncover
• announce
• proclaim
• bare
• advertise
• unbosom
• publicize
• uncloak
• broadcast
• air
• blaze
• project
• trumpet
• placard

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• misrepresent
• distort
• belie
• falsify
• disguise
• twist
• conceal
• hide
• camouflage
• obscure
• cover
• whitewash
• gild
• occlude
• veil
• gloss (over)
• mask
• garble
• varnish
• counterfeit

3

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

• tempt
• seduce
• persuade
• lure
• entice
• beguile
• solicit
• lead on
• allure
• decoy
• bait
• fascinate
• trap
• entrap
• ensnare
• enchant
• inveigle
• draw in
• rope (in)
• enmesh
• captivate
• snow
• bewitch
• catch
• mesh
• charm
• tangle
• snare
• magnetize
• wile
• immesh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• warn
• ward (off)
• alert
• caution
• drive (away or off)
• forewarn
• turn away
• repulse

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

Recent Examples of betray

And yet even the breeziest of Catullus’ occasional poems can suddenly betray flashes of ferocious emotion. —Daniel Mendelsohn, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025

For that matter, what good is a government that betrays its own citizens? —Nisha Whitehead, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2025

Alexis Lete felt 'shattered' and 'betrayed' by Phillip's game-changing Deal or No Deal Island decision Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 26 Mar. 2025

To his credit, Goldberg waited until well after the military exercise began to inform the public of this breach, and he’s been careful to betray no individuals or secrets even as he’s done his duty as an American to alert the public to how this administration is conducting such critical business. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025