If you are looking for the word for going back on your word, the most common answer is “break your word.” You can also say “go back on your word,” “renege on your word,” or “fail to keep a promise.” The best choice depends on the situation: casual conversation often uses “break your word,” while formal or legal situations may use “breach,” “reneging,” “default,” or “repudiate Still holds up..
The Best Word for Going Back on Your Word
The phrase “break your word” means that you promised to do something but did not do it. It suggests disappointment, mistrust, and a sense that someone has failed to honor an agreement.
For example:
- He broke his word and never called back.
- She felt betrayed because he broke his word.
- If you break your word, people may not trust you again.
This phrase is direct, natural, and widely understood. It is often used when the promise was personal, moral, or emotional rather than official or legal.
Another common expression is “go back on your word.” It means almost the same thing: you made a promise, but later refused to keep it Not complicated — just consistent..
For example:
- They went back on their word and refused to pay.
- I can’t believe you went back on your word after I trusted you.
Both “break your word” and “go back on your word” are very natural in everyday English.
Reneging: A Strong Single Verb
If you want one strong verb for going back on your word, the best choice is “renege.”
To renege means to go back on a promise, agreement, offer, or commitment. It is especially common with phrases like:
- renege on a promise
- renege on an agreement
- renege on a deal
- renege on a commitment
- renege on one’s word
For example:
- The company reneged on its promise to raise wages.
- He reneged on his word and accepted another offer.
- They reneged on the deal after seeing the market change.
The word renege often has a negative tone. It suggests that the person had a duty to keep the promise but chose not to. It can feel stronger than simply “changing your mind,” especially when someone else was counting on the promise Most people skip this — try not to. Less friction, more output..
Breaking Your Word vs. Going Back on Your Word
The phrases “break your word” and “go back on your word” are very similar. Both mean failing to keep a promise. Even so, they have slightly different tones Simple as that..
Break your word sounds more personal and serious. It often suggests betrayal or disappointment.
Example:
- You said you would support me, but you broke your word.
Go back on your word sounds slightly more conversational. It is common in both personal and professional situations.
Example:
- The landlord went back on his word and doubled the rent.
In many cases, either phrase works. If the promise was personal, break your word may sound more emotional. If the promise was a business arrangement or public statement, go back on your word may sound more neutral Most people skip this — try not to. Turns out it matters..
Other Words That Mean Going Back on a Promise
There are several other words and phrases that can describe going back on your word. Each one has a slightly different meaning and level of formality.
Break a Promise
This is one of the simplest and clearest phrases.
Example:
- He broke his promise to arrive on time.
This is similar to break your word, but it is a little more general. You can break a promise to a friend, a coworker, a customer, or even yourself.
Renounce
To renounce something means to officially give it up or reject it. It is more formal than “break your word.”
Example:
- The organization renounced its earlier statement.
This word is often used with claims, beliefs, rights, titles, or positions. It does not always mean someone broke a personal promise, but it can mean they rejected something they previously supported.
Repudiate
To repudiate means to reject, deny, or refuse to accept responsibility for something. It is a formal word often used in law, politics, business, or serious public statements.
Example:
- **The company repudiated the agreement after
