betrayal

[bih-trey-uhl] / bɪˈtreɪ əl /

NOUN

exhibition of disloyalty

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deception dishonesty sellout treachery treason

STRONG

double-crossing double-dealing duplicity falseness giveaway perfidy trickery unfaithfulness

WEAK

Judas kiss let-down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

devotion faithfulness fidelity frankness honesty loyalty openness truthfulness

STRONG

forthrightness

WEAK

protection quiet secret support

NOUN

divulgence of information

Synonyms

STRONG

disclosure ratting revelation telling

WEAK

blurting out diming giving away snitching spilling squealing tattling

Antonyms

STRONG

secret

WEAK

faithfulness loyalty protection quiet 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.

Pull the pan from the heat before you stir them in — this is how you avoid the dreaded graininess, that chalky betrayal.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

“Fatherland” burns a lot of its energy in recounting this extraordinary betrayal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

These events aren’t illuminating and feel instead like a bleak betrayal.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Owens’ story of Kirk’s death involves possible betrayal by Kirk’s own wife, Erika.

From Slate • Feb. 27, 2026

It was too much betrayal to take in at once.

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez