renege
Go back on a promise, commitment, or agreement
Examples
In a meeting
“The vendor reneged on their delivery commitment at the last minute.”
Over coffee
“He reneged on his promise to help me move this weekend.”
Why this word
break
renege specifically means going back on a promise or commitment, while break is general failure to keep something without implying deliberate backing out
withdraw
renege implies failing to honor a commitment already made, while withdraw suggests pulling back before full commitment
betray
renege focuses on breaking an agreement or promise, while betray implies disloyalty or revealing secrets with deeper personal violation
Usage tip
Use when someone breaks their word or backs out of an agreement—has negative connotation
Etymology
Medieval Latin — from 'renegare' (to deny), from 're-' (back) + 'negare' (to deny)
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Related words
contradict
To state the opposite or deny the truth of something
reconcile
Make two conflicting things compatible or resolve a disagreement
echo
To repeat or express agreement with someone's ideas or sentiments
pushback
Resistance or objection to an idea or plan
acquiesce
To accept or agree to something reluctantly but without protest
credible
Able to be believed; convincing or trustworthy