BACKSTABBING Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

backstabbing 1 of 2

noun

ˈbak-ˌsta-biŋ

Definition of backstabbing

as in treachery

the act or fact of violating the trust or confidence of another a reality TV show that seems to have raised backstabbing to an art form

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

backstabbing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of backstab

as in betraying

to be unfaithful or disloyal to knew what it felt like to be backstabbed by a so-called friend

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of backstabbing

Noun

This is the high-stakes intrigue of alliances, diplomacy, secrets, backstabbing, love, lies and drama that keep the world running and sometimes threaten to stop it. — Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026 The lying, backstabbing and manipulation the game inspires does indeed make for delightful TV viewing. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 26 Feb. 2026 This 2000s teen drama has relationship drama, backstabbing, layered characters, and an ominous blogger to chronicle it all. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026 This 2000s teen drama delivers relationship drama, backstabbing, layered characters, and an ominous anonymous blogger chronicling all of it. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backstabbing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backstabbing

Noun

For his treachery in conspiring with Gwayne, Daemon claims Corlys as his own prisoner.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Guides spoke of the monthlong siege that ended only because of the treachery of a local noble who turned on the sultan and allowed British troops to scale the walls.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 2 July 2026

Definition of treachery

Verb

Over time, Russian prosecutors have begun to charge more of these Ukrainians with treason—for the crime of betraying Russia—rather than with harming the interests of a foreign state.

— Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
One of the spirits was Sinon, who was upset with Odysseus for betraying him and not telling him the Trojan Horse plan.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026

Definition of betraying

Noun

Jessica transforms the betrayal of a generation taught that work would protect them into visceral cinema, where illness cracks the skin while luxury masks collapse.

— Marta Balaga, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
This hardly is the first instance of the betrayal of that trust.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of betrayal

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backstabbers

backstabbing

backstabbings

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“Backstabbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backstabbing. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of backstabbing

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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