What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defector
Example
The defector provided valuable information to the enemy. [defector: noun]
Example
He defected from the political party and joined the opposition. [defected: past tense verb]
renegade
Example
The renegade soldier refused to follow orders and started his own faction. [renegade: noun]
Example
She reneged on her promise to support the project, causing it to fail. [reneged: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Defector is more commonly used than renegade in formal contexts, especially in political or military settings. Renegade is more commonly used in informal contexts, such as in everyday conversation or media.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between defector and renegade?
Defector is generally considered more formal than renegade, which has a more informal and colloquial tone.
