SELL (OUT) Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

sell (out) 1 of 2

verb

Definition of sell (out)

as in to betray

to be unfaithful or disloyal to the band sold out its faithful followers, abandoning its edgy style for a more commercial sound

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sellout

2 of 2

noun

ˈsel-ˌau̇t

as in betrayal

the act or fact of violating the trust or confidence of another the sellout makes it much harder for me to trust you ever again

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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 sell (out)

Noun

Eight years later, when the Liberty and Fever played at Barclays Center before a rollicking sellout crowd of 17,581, the final minutes of the tense clash felt like the final minutes of a sudden-death playoff game. — Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Cunningham was met with a mixture of boos and cheers from the sellout crowd. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026 The matchup of Cy Young Award contenders on first-place teams featured a sellout crowd and playoff-type atmosphere. — ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026 Five minutes later, Messi gave Miami the lead, curling his shot in tight space past three defenders, quieting the sellout crowd at Subaru Park. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sell (out)

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sell (out)

Verb

Rumors abounded that Portman, who has met Cusk and recommended one of her books for her book club, felt betrayed.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
The viral moment became a topic of conversation for weeks after the show wrapped, with Rausch also gifting her a Birkin Bag as an apology for betraying her on the show.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of betray

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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selling short

sell (out)

sellout

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“Sell (out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sell%20%28out%29. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of sell (out)

verb

noun

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