English vocabulary · C2
Renege
/rɪˈneɡ/ · v.
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When you renege on a deal, you do not do what you said you would do. You gave your word, but now you choose to break it.
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Example sentences
- Don't renege on the rent deal.
- The buyer may renege on the deal.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- neg — no (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- BACKTRACK — change an earlier position (Go back on your words)
- DEFAULT — fail to meet a duty (Fail to pay as agreed)
- WITHDRAW — take back a commitment (Take back your support)
Words with the same root
neg — no
- negative — not positive
- negate — cancel out
- renegade — a person who leaves their group
Lesson notes
When you renege on a deal, you do not do what you said you would do. You gave your word, but now you choose to break it.
Related: backtrack, default, withdraw. Use renege when a promise is broken.
Don't renege on the rent deal. The buyer may renege on the deal.
From Latin. Neg- means no. A firm no to a past deal can mean you renege on your word.