renege

[ri-nig, -neg, -neeg] / rɪˈnɪg, -ˈnɛg, -ˈnig /

VERB

go back on one's word

Synonyms

STRONGEST

back out default on go back go back on one's word pull out retract reverse

STRONG

change one's mind have change of heart take back

WEAK

break faith break one's promise break one's word chicken out cop out get cold feet weasel out wimp out

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Watson claims the PGA Tour has "made a decision to renege" on what they promised to those who stayed loyal.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Simon unleashed a tirade at Coach executive Todd Kahn during their first meeting in the first decade of the 2000s, after the handbag maker tried to renege on deals to open stores in Simon malls.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

But regulators say some companies renege on their commitments.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

But the optimism deflated significantly in recent weeks, as questions arose about whether Oracle’s customers could renege on these contracts and leave it holding the bag for billions in underutilized infrastructure.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 9, 2025

The government had already informed the foreign press that I was to be set free tomorrow and felt they could not renege on that statement.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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