betray

[bih-trey] / bɪˈtreɪ /

VERB

be disloyal

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abandon deceive forsake mislead seduce

STRONG

bluff cross delude desert finger jilt knife trick

WEAK

be unfaithful bite the hand that feeds you blow the whistle break faith break promise break trust break with commit treason deliver up double-cross go back on inform against inform on let down play Judas play false sell down the river sell out stab in the back take in turn in turn informer turn state's evidence walk out on

Antonyms

STRONG

aid assist help stay

WEAK

be faithful be loyal be quiet defend hide keep secret protect support

VERB

divulge, expose information

Synonyms

STRONGEST

reveal

STRONG

disclose evince inform manifest show sing snitch spill squeal stool tattle tell uncover unmask

WEAK

blurt out dime fink on give away lay bare let slip make known rat on tell on turn in

Antonyms

STRONG

conceal cover hide withhold

WEAK

be faithful be loyal be quiet defend keep secret protect support

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It can’t be deposed, call the police or betray a confidence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

If Borgli’s film is to be believed, we only really begin to understand someone when they betray our trust.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

"It's more comfortable for me because I know that I will not betray myself and not denounce myself."

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

But even those betray an iota of human-made whimsy, a sparkle of vulnerability.

From Slate • Jan. 7, 2026

I dared not move lest I betray my knowledge.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier