betray
23 synonyms and 1 antonym for betray, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To be disloyal to someone who trusts you, especially by helping their enemies or breaking a promise.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
cop out
cross out
cross up
double-cross
do someone dirty
do the dirty on
go back on
let down
play someone false
quisle
renegade
sell the pass
sell down the river
sell down
sell out
stab in the back
swike
traitorize
turncoat
Antonyms
keep faith
How to use betray
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
betray a trust
betray a secret
betray one's feelings
Etymology
From Middle English betrayen, built from "be-" plus an old word meaning "to betray," ultimately related to "traitor" and "treason."
Full origin of betray →Frequently asked questions
What does “betray” mean?
The word “betray” means to be disloyal to someone who trusts you, especially by helping their enemies or breaking a promise. In plain terms, to break someone's trust, or to accidentally reveal a feeling or secret.
How do you pronounce “betray”?
“Betray” is pronounced bih-TRAY (/bɪˈtɹeɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “betray” in a sentence?
Here is “betray” used in a sentence: “He betrayed his best friend by leaking their secret plans.”
What is another word for “betray”?
Words with a similar meaning to “betray” include burn, cop out, cross out, cross up, double-cross and do someone dirty.
What is the opposite of “betray”?
The opposite of “betray” — its antonyms — is keep faith.
What part of speech is “betray”?
“Betray” is a verb.
Where does the word “betray” come from?
The word “betray” comes from Middle English. From Middle English betrayen, built from "be-" plus an old word meaning "to betray," ultimately related to "traitor" and "treason.".
Is “betray” a common word?
“Betray” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
