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Renege - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

To renege means to go back on a promise, agreement, or commitment. It often implies breaking one’s word or failing to follow through on an obligation, which can lead to distrust.

renege

/rɪˈnɪɡ/ /rɪˈneɪɡ/

Definition:

To go back on a promise, agreement, or commitment.

Synonyms:

revoke, retract, withdraw, backtrack

Part of Speech:

verb

Antonyms:

fulfill, honor

Common Collocations:

renege on a deal, renege on a promise, renege on an agreement

Derivatives:

reneger, reneging

Usage Tips:

Use "renege" when someone fails to keep a promise or breaks an agreement deliberately.

Common Phrases:

renege on a bet, renege on one's word

Etymology:

From Latin "renegare," meaning "to deny," via Medieval Latin and Old French.

Examples:

  • 1. He tried to renege on the contract last minute.
  • 2. She didn’t want to renege on her promise to help.
  • 3. The company faced lawsuits after they chose to renege on the deal.
  • 4. Politicians who renege on their pledges lose public trust quickly.

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