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

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 betray Fassbender sells the conflict with an uneasy stillness betrayed by his persistently searching eyes. —

Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2025 Because the sailboats were slower than motorboats, often alone and barely armed, the Nazis didn’t view them as worthy targets, especially since any attack would betray their location. —

David Wolman, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025 Ethan and Cameron feel betrayed and go off to ride jet skis. —

Griff Griffin, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 Sure, their penalty killing and goaltending are what ultimately betrayed them in this game, and the penalty kill, so good most of the season, is suddenly becoming a big problem. —

Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for betray

Recent Examples of Synonyms for betray

Verb

Expanded a rule that lets people be deported with little administrative process from those close to the border who have recently crossed, to any undocumented person, anywhere in the U.S. who has arrived within the past two years — no criminal record required.

— Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Longtime Hollywood fixtures Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom had never crossed paths — until now.

— Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025