verb

renege

rih-NAYG

Renege (verb) means to break a promise or go back on an agreement. Example: “The supplier reneged on the contract at the last minute.”

verb

To break a promise or go back on an agreement.

"The supplier reneged on the contract at the last minute."

"He reneged on his promise to help with the move."

How to use renege

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo break your word after agreeing to something.

Common mistake

Always followed by "on" — you renege ON a deal or promise, not "renege a deal."

Common pairings

renege on a deal renege on a promise

reneged past tense, reneges singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “renege” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Can you complete this real example?

The supplier _____ on the contract at the last minute.

From Latin renegare, "to deny," built from negare ("to deny").

Origin: Latin

renege on renegue on go back on

betray repudiate

siege liege protege college sacrilege privilege

What does “renege” mean?

The word “renege” means to break a promise or go back on an agreement. In plain terms, to break your word after agreeing to something.

How do you pronounce “renege”?

“Renege” is pronounced rih-NAYG (/ɹɪˈnɛɡ/ in IPA).

How do you use “renege” in a sentence?

Here is “renege” used in a sentence: “The supplier reneged on the contract at the last minute.”

What part of speech is “renege”?

“Renege” is a verb.

Where does the word “renege” come from?

The word “renege” comes from Latin. From Latin renegare, "to deny," built from negare ("to deny").

betray repudiate