treason

noun

ˈtrē-zᵊn How to pronounce treason (audio)
Definition of treasonnext
as in treachery
the act or fact of violating the trust or confidence of another reading a friend's diary without permission would have to be regarded as the ultimate act of personal treason

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 treason The messenger, French emigré Charles Darnay (Civil) is arrested for treason. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026 In the trailer, Lucie enlists the help of Sydney when Charles is imprisoned and charged with treason after delivering her a message from Paris that alleges her father, who has been dead for nearly 20 years, is alive. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 Scottish rebel William Wallace was executed for treason in London. — USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 Over time, Russian prosecutors have begun to charge more of these Ukrainians with treason—for the crime of betraying Russia—rather than with harming the interests of a foreign state. — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for treason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treason
  1. treachery
  2. 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
  • The extremely soapy, enjoyably satirical true-life drama chronicles love, rampant betrayal and a brazen murder plot through three decades of the iconic Gucci fashion house.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That act of literary betrayal—the source of Kiyosaki’s fame and much of his wealth—is the enduring mystery of his life.
    — Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of betrayal

Browse Nearby Words

treads
treason
treasonous
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Cite this Entry

“Treason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treason. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on treason

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about treason

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