Treacherous — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈtre-chə-rəs/ treach·er·ous

Meaning & Definition of Treacherous

Treacherous (adjective)

  1. likely to betray trust, unreliable
  2. providing insecure footing or support
  3. marked by hidden dangers, hazards, or perils

Treacherous (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not true in one's allegiance to someone or something

    "a treacherous friend, she's been known to turn against people in the blink of an eye"

    similar: disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, unfaithful, untrue
    related: irresponsible, trustless, undependable, unreliable, untrustworthy, faltering, hesitant, vacillating, wavering, dubious, irresolute, uncertain, apathetic, dispassionate, uninterested
    opposite: constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, faithful, fast, loyal, staunch, steadfast, steady, true
    near: dependable, dutiful, reliable, responsible, solid, tried, tried-and-true, trustable, trustworthy, trusty, unfaltering, unhesitating, unwavering, determined, intent, resolute, confirmed, dyed-in-the-wool, inveterate, sworn, ardent, avid, enthusiastic, fervent, fervid, impassioned, passionate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Treacherous

The most common words with a similar meaning to Treacherous:

disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, unfaithful, untrue

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Treacherous

Words with the opposite meaning of Treacherous:

constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, faithful, fast, loyal, staunch, steadfast, steady, true

Related Words for Treacherous

irresponsible, trustless, undependable, unreliable, untrustworthy, faltering, hesitant, vacillating, wavering, dubious, irresolute, uncertain, apathetic, dispassionate, uninterested

Near Antonyms of Treacherous

dependable, dutiful, reliable, responsible, solid, tried, tried-and-true, trustable, trustworthy, trusty, unfaltering, unhesitating, unwavering, determined, intent, resolute, confirmed, dyed-in-the-wool, inveterate, sworn, ardent, avid, enthusiastic, fervent, fervid, impassioned, passionate

Word Forms of Treacherous

Derived words: treacherously (adverb), treacherousness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Treacherous

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Treacherous

What does "Treacherous" mean?

"Treacherous" means likely to betray trust, unreliable. As an adjective, it is defined as: likely to betray trust, unreliable.

What is another word for "Treacherous"?

Other words for "Treacherous" include disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant and traitorous. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Treacherous" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Treacherous"?

There are 25 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Treacherous". Common alternatives include disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, unfaithful and untrue.

What is the opposite of "Treacherous"?

Antonyms of "Treacherous" include constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, faithful, fast and loyal. Near antonyms include dependable, dutiful, reliable and responsible.

How do you use "Treacherous" in a sentence?

Examples of "Treacherous" in a sentence: "a treacherous friend, she's been known to turn against people in the blink of an eye".

Is "Treacherous" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Treacherous" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Treacherous"?

"Treacherous" is pronounced /ˈtre-chə-rəs/ and divided into syllables as treach·er·ous.

What is the origin of the word "Treacherous"?

First known use: 14th century.