Skip to main content
double-crosser

double-crosser

2 6.8
A person who pretends to be loyal but betrays someone
  • noun
  • /ˈdʌbəlˌkrɔsər/
  • Offensive
translation icon : traidor
  • Why, the yellow-bellied double-crosser!
  • a master double-crosser

Examples

Synonyms

traitor
vsdouble-crosser
  • Offensive
381 3.9

A person who breaks the trust of their country, group, or friend to help an enemy

refers to personal betrayal by feigned loyalty rather than mainly political or group treason
betrayer
vsdouble-crosser
26 6.3

A person who breaks someone's trust by revealing secrets

involves betrayal done while pretending loyalty rather than general disloyalty
deceiver
vsdouble-crosser
13 5.5

A person who tricks others by making them believe something not true

involves betrayal through false loyalty rather than general lying or trickery
turncoat
vsdouble-crosser
  • Offensive
13 8.2

A person who leaves their group to join the opposite side

involves secret betrayal by pretending loyalty rather than open switching of sides
backstabber
vsdouble-crosser
  • Offensive
8 5.1

A person who acts friendly but secretly betrays someone who trusts them

focuses on betrayal achieved by pretending loyalty while acting against the person
wolf in sheep's clothing
vsdouble-crosser
  • Informal
7 6.2

A person who seems friendly but is actually dangerous or dishonest

emphasizes personal betrayal by false loyalty rather than general hidden danger
snake in the grass
vsdouble-crosser
  • Offensive
5 8.1

A person who pretends to be friendly but secretly harms or tricks you

stresses betrayal by pretending loyalty instead of openly opposing someone
treacher
vsdouble-crosser
  • Offensive
1 9.9

A person who betrays trust or their country

means the same betrayal by false loyalty but is an older word
double-dealer
vsdouble-crosser
  • Offensive
1 8.5

A person who pretends to be a friend but secretly works against others

is about betraying by feigned loyalty specifically rather than merely hypocrisy
dissembler
vsdouble-crosser
1 9.5

A person who hides real thoughts or plans by saying something else

uses false loyalty to betray rather than only hiding feelings or beliefs
Judas
vsdouble-crosser
  • Offensive
8.4

A person who betrays a friend while seeming loyal

highlights betrayal that comes from a false show of loyalty rather than openness

Antonyms

42 4.8

A person who supports a government, leader, or cause during a revolt

How Treacherous

traitor
  • Offensive
381 3.9
double-crosser
  • Offensive
2 6.8
deceiver
13 5.5

Surface Forms

Morphology

double-crosser = double-cross (transparent) = double + cross + er

Agent noun formed by adding the productive suffix '-er' to the verb 'double-cross', so the meaning ('one who double-crosses') follows directly.

Etymology

Double-crosser comes from the phrase double-cross, where double means 'two' and cross means 'to go against' or 'betray'. So a double-crosser is someone who pretends to be loyal but then betrays you.