In everyday language, the word renege often appears when someone breaks a promise, goes back on their word, or fails to fulfill an agreement. It carries a strong sense of betrayal or unreliability, which makes it a powerful term in both casual and formal contexts. But depending on the situation, there are several other words and expressions that can replace renege to better fit the tone or nuance of a sentence. Understanding another word for renege helps speakers and writers express themselves more precisely and naturally in English communication.
Understanding the Meaning of Renege
The word renege comes from the Latin root renegare, meaning to deny or to refuse. In modern English, it is most commonly used to describe the act of breaking a commitment or failing to do something one has promised. For example, someone might renege on a deal, a contract, or a personal assurance. It often implies going back on one’s word after others have already relied on it, which can lead to disappointment or mistrust.
Here are a few example sentences using renege
- He reneged on his promise to help with the project.
- The company reneged on its agreement to provide refunds.
- She felt betrayed when her friend reneged on their plan.
As these examples show, the term can be serious in tone and typically conveys disapproval of the person who breaks the promise. To avoid repetition or to match different emotional tones, it’s helpful to know synonyms that can replace renege in specific contexts.
Common Synonyms for Renege
There are many words and phrases that can serve as another word for renege. The choice of synonym depends on the sentence and the strength of the feeling being expressed. Some alternatives are more formal, while others are better suited to casual conversation.
1. Back out
Back out is one of the most common substitutes for renege, especially in informal English. It means to withdraw from an agreement or commitment, often at the last moment.
ExampleThey decided to back out of the deal after discovering the hidden costs.
This phrase is widely used in both personal and business contexts, making it a practical alternative when renege feels too formal.
2. Break one’s word
This expression directly reflects the act of not keeping a promise. It conveys a moral tone and is often used when someone fails to honor their spoken or written commitment.
ExampleShe broke her word after assuring everyone she would attend the meeting.
While similar in meaning to renege, this phrase emphasizes honesty and personal integrity.
3. Default
Default is a term often used in legal or financial situations. It means failing to fulfill an obligation, such as a loan payment or a contractual duty.
ExampleThe borrower defaulted on his mortgage payments after losing his job.
In this sense, default is a technical synonym for renege, particularly when the unfulfilled commitment involves money or legal responsibility.
4. Betray
When someone reneges on a promise that deeply affects trust or loyalty, betray can be a strong alternative. It conveys emotional weight and implies intentional or hurtful disloyalty.
ExampleHe betrayed his colleagues by going against their shared decision.
This word adds moral and emotional depth, making it useful in contexts where the broken promise feels personal or significant.
5. Go back on
Similar to back out, the phrase go back on is another common and natural way to express renege. It’s often followed by a promise, an agreement, or one’s word.
ExampleThe politician went back on his campaign promises after being elected.
This phrase works well in both formal and informal writing and is easy to understand for all English learners.
6. Withdraw
Withdraw can be used when someone decides to remove their participation or commitment from something. It sounds neutral and can be applied to business or personal contexts.
ExampleThe company withdrew its support for the project at the last minute.
Although less emotional than renege, it effectively conveys a similar idea of stepping away from a prior commitment.
7. Revoke
Revoke is a formal synonym often used in legal, administrative, or contractual situations. It means to cancel or take back something that was previously granted or agreed upon.
ExampleThe organization revoked the offer after discovering inconsistencies in the applicant’s resume.
This word is suitable for official documents, business communication, and academic writing, where precision is important.
8. Renounce
Renounce carries a more formal and deliberate tone, suggesting a conscious decision to reject or abandon something. It can apply to commitments, beliefs, or even citizenship.
ExampleHe renounced his earlier statements when faced with new evidence.
Unlike renege, which can sound accidental or dishonest, renounce emphasizes an intentional withdrawal, often for moral or practical reasons.
Nuances and Contexts of Use
Choosing the right synonym for renege depends on the tone, audience, and situation. For instance, back out or go back on may sound more natural in conversation, while revoke or default works better in legal writing. Betray adds emotional impact, while withdraw stays neutral.
Here’s how the tone can shift depending on the synonym used
- Informal toneHe backed out of the agreement at the last minute.
- Formal toneThe company revoked its prior commitment due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Emotional toneShe betrayed my trust by breaking her promise.
By understanding these subtle differences, writers and speakers can choose expressions that match the intended message more accurately.
Idiomatic Alternatives
In addition to single-word synonyms, English also offers idiomatic expressions that convey the same meaning as renege. These phrases can make your speech or writing sound more natural and engaging.
- Break faith withHe broke faith with his partners by refusing to deliver the goods.
- Fail to come throughThe sponsor failed to come through with the promised funds.
- Let someone downShe let her team down by not keeping her word.
These idioms express the same core idea but often carry emotional or relational connotations, emphasizing disappointment or unreliability.
Why the Right Word Matters
Using the correct synonym for renege helps fine-tune communication, especially in professional or sensitive contexts. For example, in business, saying someone reneged on a contract sounds much stronger than saying they withdrew their offer. In personal relationships, choosing between betrayed and backed out can change the emotional tone of what you’re expressing.
Writers, speakers, and professionals all benefit from a strong vocabulary because it allows them to express meaning with clarity and precision. Words like renege and its alternatives highlight the importance of trust and responsibility in human interactions.
Renege is a powerful word that captures the idea of failing to keep one’s promise or obligation. However, knowing another word for renege opens up a wider range of expression. Whether you say back out, revoke, default, or betray, each choice brings a slightly different shade of meaning that fits the situation. Expanding your vocabulary not only improves your communication but also allows you to express thoughts with greater accuracy and emotion. The next time you describe someone who doesn’t follow through on their word, you’ll have the perfect synonym ready to match the contextprecise, natural, and effective.