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
1
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."
"Clattenburg awarded Spurs a penalty for the third time after a handball in the area but he reneged after realising that the linesman had flagged Crouch offside in the build-up."
— Michael Kevin Darling, Tottenham 2 - 1 Bolton (2011)
How to use renege
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- reneges
- Past tense
- reneged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The supplier _____ on the contract at the last minute.
Etymology
From Latin renegare, "to deny," built from negare ("to deny").
Synonyms
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renege on
renegue on
go back on
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for renege
See all rhymes for renege →Frequently asked questions
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").
