Synonyms of renege

renege

verb

ri-ˈneg 

1

as in to withdraw

to break a promise or agreement

my so-called best friend promised to help me move, only to renege come Saturday morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdraw
• recall
• back out
• back down
• retract
• back off
• cop out
• backpedal
• recant
• go back on
• fink out
• forswear
• backtrack
• disavow
• chicken (out)
• abjure
• take back
• unsay
• repudiate
• wimp out
• beg off
• abnegate
• cry off

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• adhere (to)
• fulfill
• keep
• satisfy
• honor
• comply (with)
• follow through (with)

2

as in to renounce

to solemnly or formally reject or go back on (as something formerly adhered to)

refused to renege the principles by which she had always lived her life, even if it resulted in losing her business

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdraw
• renounce
• retract
• deny
• repeal
• contradict
• abandon
• relinquish
• recant
• forswear
• refute
• repudiate
• abjure
• take back
• unsay
• spurn
• abnegate
• forsake
• disavow
• disown
• disclaim
• recall
• gainsay
• revoke
• negate
• disprove
• disagree (with)
• controvert
• surrender
• rebut
• dispute
• negative
• backtrack
• give up
• back down
• disallow
• back off
• bolt

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• maintain
• acknowledge
• admit
• declare
• adhere (to)
• claim
• assert
• contend
• state
• affirm
• proclaim
• defend
• support
• accept
• uphold
• confirm
• endorse
• adopt
• vow
• back
• profess
• vouch
• avow
• embrace
• espouse

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of renege

At one point officials were contemplating a proposal for a hotel along with newer retail, and only three years ago paid a $2 million settlement to a previous developer who accused the town of reneging on a deal. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026

But Iran has already threatened to renege on that pledge. — Deva Lee, CNN Money, 22 June 2026

Witnesses to the raid maintained that the protest was lawful and accused Martin Berger, SAIC’s provost, of reneging on a promise to allow student leaders to reach an internal compromise before involving police. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 June 2026

The New York Times reported that Mamdani had vowed to back Espaillat, and was now reneging on that commitment. — Joseph Strauss, Sun Sentinel, 1 June 2026