# renege

**Pronunciation:** /rɪˈniːɡ/ · ri-NEEG

**CEFR level:** C1

**Part of speech:** verb

## Meaning

Go back on a promise, undertaking, or contract; to fail to fulfill a commitment.

## Examples

- The company threatened legal action after the supplier decided to renege on their agreement.
- He had a reputation for reneging on his debts, which made it hard for him to borrow money.
- Despite her initial promise, she chose to renege on her offer to volunteer for the event.

## Synonyms

- back out — More informal, often implying a last-minute withdrawal.
- default — Often used in a financial or legal context for failing to meet obligations.
- welsh — Informal and sometimes considered offensive, specifically meaning to fail to pay a debt or fulfill a betting obligation.
- recant — To formally withdraw or disavow a statement or belief, not typically a promise or agreement.

## Antonyms

- honor — To fulfill a promise or agreement.
- uphold — To maintain or affirm a decision or agreement.

## Common patterns

- renege on a promise — To fail to keep a promise. — It's important not to renege on a promise once it's made.
- renege on an agreement — To break an agreement. — Both parties must ensure they do not renege on an agreement.
- renege on a deal — To withdraw from a deal. — The buyer threatened to sue if the seller tried to renege on the deal.

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