Renege

/ɹɪˈnɛɡ/ · verb

Meaning

(intransitive) To break a promise or commitment; to go back on one's word. [(often) with on].

Definitions by Sense

1. (intransitive) To break a promise or commitment; to go back on one's word. [(often) with on]
2. (intransitive, card games) To break one's commitment to follow suit when capable.
3. (transitive, archaic) To deny; to renounce

Example Sentences

Previously I promised not to proselytize miserism, but now I want to renege a little on that promise. If your family income is anywhere near average, you can scrimp and save and cut back for maybe two to four years […]

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.

His captaines heart, / Which in the ſcuffles of great fights hath burſt / The Buckles on his breaſt, reneages all temper, / And is become the bellowes and the Fan / To coole a Gypſies Luſt.

All Europe high (all sorts of rights reneged) / Against the truth and thee unholy leagued.

Synonyms for renege

Antonyms for renege

Related Words

Word Forms

• reneges
• reneging
• reneged
• renage
• reneague
• reneg
• re-nig
• renegue

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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