Synonyms for

Betrayal

Verb / bɪˈtreɪʌl / Another word for betrayal — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Betrayal means the act of being disloyal or breaking someone's trust.

Synonyms & similar words

perfidy treachery treason treason perfidy disloyalty infidelity double-cross backstabbing two-timing deceit treachery unfaithfulness faithlessness duplicity back-stabbing sellout untrustworthiness falsehood inconstancy traitorousness

Synonyms by register

Formal

infidelity treachery perfidy disloyalty

Informal

backstabbing double-crossing stab in the back

Literary

treason apostasy

Antonyms

loyalty faithfulness allegiance fidelity trust devotion

Common collocations

  • act of betrayal
  • sense of betrayal
  • betrayal of trust
  • betrayal of confidence
  • deep betrayal
  • feeling of betrayal

Word family

noun betrayal
verb betray
adjective betraying

Usage note

Betrayal implies a violation of trust or loyalty. It often carries a strong negative connotation of deceit and disloyalty.

Example sentences

  1. The spy's betrayal of his country led to his arrest.
  2. I felt a sense of betrayal when my friend told my secret to everyone.
  3. The employee's betrayal of the company's secrets led to his termination.
  4. The politician's betrayal of his campaign promises led to public outrage.
  5. The athlete's betrayal of the team's trust led to his suspension.

Quotes

  • The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies, it comes from those you trust the most. - Unknown
  • The betrayal of trust carries a heavy taboo. - Aldrich Ames
  • When you betray somebody else, you also betray yourself. - Isaac Bashevis Singer

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words