BETRAYAL Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

betrayal

noun

bi-ˈtrā(-ə)l

Definition of betrayal

as in treachery

the act or fact of violating the trust or confidence of another the terrible betrayal of having her best friend reveal her confidences to others

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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 betrayal Some relationships will naturally move closer or drift outward as your needs shift, and that’s not a betrayal of anyone. — Jeanan Yasiri Moe, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 For five seasons, Garner would star on Alias as Sydney Bristow, a secret agent continuously caught up in a series of lies and betrayals. — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Aug. 2026 Instead old habits, suspicions, anger and betrayal reign on both sides. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2026 There is the muddled terrorist plot, the corrupt politician, the love interest who looks thirty to fifty years Breen’s junior; in fact, there are arguably two of them, and at least one is responsible for the betrayal . — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for betrayal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for betrayal

Noun

For his treachery in conspiring with Gwayne, Daemon claims Corlys as his own prisoner.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 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

Definition of treachery

Noun

In Russian law, treason is understood as a form of espionage—compromising or working against the Russian state to benefit a foreign power.

— Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026
Zambia’s main opposition leader was charged with treason and flown under armed guard to a maximum-security prison in a case that threatens to taint Lusaka’s image as a relatively stable southern African democracy.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of treason

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betray

betrayal

betrayals

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“Betrayal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/betrayal. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of betrayal

noun

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