1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to reveal
to make known (something abstract) through outward signs
his face betrayed his exasperation with his nosy neighbor
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of betray
This is a deeply emotional film in high concept clothing, coded to resonate with those of us well-versed in the instinct to betray ourselves in order to be accepted.
—
Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2025
Souter, in particular, as the newest Justice in that majority, was seen as having betrayed the conservative legal movement.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 May 2025
Boston Rob led Redemption Island by instituting a buddy system so his Ometepe alliance couldn’t betray him.
—Stephen Fishbach, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
Two of their mothers across generations contend with involuntary reactions, one gagging, the other laughing, reflections on the ways our bodies can betray us.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for betray
Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2025
Souter, in particular, as the newest Justice in that majority, was seen as having betrayed the conservative legal movement.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 May 2025
Boston Rob led Redemption Island by instituting a buddy system so his Ometepe alliance couldn’t betray him.
—Stephen Fishbach, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
Two of their mothers across generations contend with involuntary reactions, one gagging, the other laughing, reflections on the ways our bodies can betray us.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for betray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for betray
Verb
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Israel finally agreed to ease the blockade on Sunday and said that 93 trucks had crossed the border on Tuesday and that an additional 107 had yesterday.—
Julie Beck,
The Atlantic,
23 May 2025
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Five runs had crossed the plate before the Royals defense escaped the top of the first inning.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
23 May 2025
Verb
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In light of Biden’s cancer diagnosis, revealed on Sunday in a statement from his staff, the Democratic talk of his fitness has ebbed.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
24 May 2025
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During a March appearance on The Pivot Podcast, Jelly revealed what he's learned after being married to Bunnie for eight years.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
24 May 2025
Verb
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There was interest from the Saudi Pro League last summer, and clubs may be tempted to try again.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
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Setbacks may tempt you to stray from your vision, but staying true to yourself attracts the right clients, collaborators and opportunities.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
27 May 2025
Verb
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They were punished with another partial stadium closure in April after displaying banners insulting ex-PSG player Rabiot during a game against Marseille.—
Tomás Hill López-Menchero,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
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The 2023 Chianti Classico displayed beautiful freshness and elegance, offering pure fruit and immediate charm. Querciabella (Greve, Radda, Gaiole) – With organic and biodynamic vineyards across multiple UGAs, Querciabella champions purity and transparency in every bottle.—
Jessica Dupuy,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Verb
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Sirens is smartest when paralleling the entitlement of 21st century American wealth with Ancient Greek divinity, skewering the insularity and entitlement of these modern plutocrats who throw galas to honor themselves and to torment or seduce the mortals who are their employees and playthings.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2025
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This would suck capital investment back to America in a nanosecond and financially seduce companies to reshore factories, labs and headquarters back here with bargain-low tax rates.—
Stephen Moore,
Boston Herald,
14 May 2025
Verb
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That same month, public records show East Carolina University entered an 18-month, $50,450 contract with Deloitte for consulting services related to its athletic department.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
1 June 2025
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However, the High Priestess shows February being full of rest and healing, urging you to slow down and listen to your intuition… because your sixth sense is strong for a reason.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 June 2025
Verb
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For fifteen years, the Patriotic Millionaires have waged an earnest battle to persuade wealthy people to lobby for higher taxes on themselves.—
Evan Osnos,
New Yorker,
26 May 2025
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But nothing Akasha’s old friend said could persuade Akasha to relinquish his empire.—
Andy Greenberg,
Wired News,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Jeffrey will reveal the double-crossing FBI agent’s identity provided he’s given protection after Beatrix is in custody.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
8 May 2025
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This is the second view of political leadership: double-cross, cheat, bully, cajole, break the conventions and rules – do whatever works!—
John Nemec,
The Conversation,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Betray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/betray. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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