Synonyms for

Traitor

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

Definition

A traitor is a person who betrays someone or something, such as a friend, country, or cause.

Synonyms & similar words

betrayer doubledealer treasonist twotimer doublecrosser turncoat betrayer double-crosser backstabber renegade defector informant informer snitch fink rat weasel snake sellout quisling collaborator deserter apostate rebel mutineer

Synonyms by register

Formal

defector renegade insurgent

Informal

turncoat quisling

Literary

Judas Benedict Arnold

Antonyms

loyalist patriot ally supporter believer devotee

Common collocations

  • accused of treason
  • convicted traitor
  • a notorious traitor
  • declared a traitor
  • traitor to the cause
  • traitor to his country
  • unmask a traitor

Word family

noun traitor
verb betray
adjective treacherous

Usage note

A traitor is someone who betrays their country, cause, or trust. The term carries a strong negative connotation.

Example sentences

  1. The soldier was labeled a traitor after he gave away the location of the military base.
  2. Judas Iscariot is known as a traitor for betraying Jesus in the Bible.
  3. The company CEO was accused of being a traitor for selling trade secrets to a competitor.
  4. I will never forgive him for being a traitor to our friendship.
  5. The traitor was apprehended by the police and charged with treason.

Quotes

  • "The trust of the innocent is the liar's most useful tool." - Stephen King
  • "I cannot and will not cut my conscience to fit this year's fashions." - Lillian Hellman
  • "The man who is swimming against the stream knows the strength of it." - Woodrow Wilson

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