renege
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /rɪˈnɛɡ/
KK: /rɪˈnɛg/
intransitive verb
Definition
To break a promise or commitment, especially by not doing something that was agreed upon.
Example
He decided to renege on his promise to help her move.
Tense Forms
Past: reneged
Past Participle: reneged
Conversation
Did you hear about Mark? He decided to renege on our plans for the weekend.
Really? I thought he was looking forward to it.
Yeah, it’s a bummer because we were counting on him being there.
I know, right? It’s disappointing when friends renege on commitments.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
default
backtrack
withdraw
Antonyms
fulfill
commit
honor
noun
Definition
The act of going back on a promise or agreement.
Example
His renege on the deal surprised everyone involved.
Conversation
Did you hear about Mark's decision to renege on his promise?
Yeah, it's such a bummer; he really let everyone down.
I can't believe he would actually renege like that.
transitive verb
Definition
To go back on a promise or agreement, failing to do what was previously agreed upon.
Example
He decided to renege on his promise to help her move.
Tense Forms
Past: reneged
Past Participle: reneged
Conversation
I can't believe he decided to renege on our agreement.
Yeah, that was really unexpected.
I thought we had a solid plan, but now everything is up in the air.
Root Explanation
Renege → It is formed from "re-" (meaning back) and "negare" (meaning to deny). The word describes the act of going back on a promise or commitment, essentially denying a previous agreement.
Memory Tip
Think of 'going back' ('re-') on a promise or agreement, which is what it means to renege.
Visually Confused Words
rentee
reenge