treacherous
adjective
treach·er·ous
ˈtre-chə-rəs 
ˈtrech-rəs
1
a
: likely to betray trust : unreliable
a treacherous memory
b
: providing insecure footing or support
treacherous quicksand
c
: marked by hidden dangers, hazards, or perils
2
: characterized by or manifesting treachery : perfidious
treacherously
adverb
treacherousness
noun
Examples of treacherous in a Sentence
a treacherous act of betrayal
They were not prepared to hike over such treacherous terrain.
The snow made their hike all the more treacherous.
Discussions about money can lead couples into treacherous territory.
Recent Examples on the Web
At least three people were killed in the treacherous flood waters streaming through a mountain village in New Mexico, which also knocked an entire home from its foundations and then swept it away.
—
Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 9 July 2025
The search has been complicated by treacherous terrain, and the fact that crews are looking for an Army veteran skilled in wilderness survival who had a three-day head start.
—Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 7 July 2025
Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises.
—Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 3 July 2025
The police department continued its search, though conditions continued to be treacherous, according to multiple posts shared by officials on Facebook.
—Sam Gillette, People.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for treacherous
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Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 9 July 2025
The search has been complicated by treacherous terrain, and the fact that crews are looking for an Army veteran skilled in wilderness survival who had a three-day head start.
—Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 7 July 2025
Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises.
—Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 3 July 2025
The police department continued its search, though conditions continued to be treacherous, according to multiple posts shared by officials on Facebook.
—Sam Gillette, People.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for treacherous
Cite this Entry
“Treacherous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treacherous. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
treacherous
adjective
treach·er·ous
ˈtrech-(ə-)rəs
1
a
: guilty of treachery
b
: likely to betray : unreliable
a treacherous memory
2
: giving a false appearance of safety or solidity
a treacherous stretch of bog
treacherously
adverb
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