RESERVE Synonyms: 195 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'reserve' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of reserve are detain , keep , retain , and withhold . While all these words mean "to hold in one's possession or under one's control," reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use. // reserve some of your energy for the last mile

Q: Where would 'detain' be a reasonable alternative to 'reserve'?

While the synonyms detain and reserve are close in meaning, detain suggests a delay in letting go. // detained them for questioning

Q: When could 'keep' be used to replace 'reserve'?

The meanings of keep and reserve largely overlap; however, keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control. // keep this while I'm gone

Q: When might 'retain' be a better fit than 'reserve'?

In some situations, the words retain and reserve are roughly equivalent. However, retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss. // managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

Q: When can 'withhold' be used instead of 'reserve'?

The words withhold and reserve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go. // withheld information from the authorities

reserve 1 of 2

noun

Definition of reserve

as in restraint

the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others the salesclerk showed great reserve in dealing with the unreasonable demands of the angry customer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in supply

a collection of things kept available for future use or need our fuel reserves are low

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in substitute

a person or thing that takes the place of another when the first brigade fell back in retreat, the commander sent out the reserves to try to hold the line of battle

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in spare

an interchangeable part or piece of equipment that is kept on hand for replacement of an original don't throw that extra bike chain away, as I want to keep it as a reserve in case the current one breaks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reserve

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈzərv

as in to book

to arrange to have something (as a hotel room) held for one's future use we made sure to reserve a kennel for our dog several months before the start of the family vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to retain

to continue to have in one's possession or power I'm reserving the right to work by myself if you don't do your share of the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to dedicate

to keep or intend for a special purpose we must reserve this cup for ceremonial use only

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word reserve distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of reserve are detain, keep, retain, and withhold. While all these words mean "to hold in one's possession or under one's control," reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use.

reserve some of your energy for the last mile

Where would detain be a reasonable alternative to reserve?

While the synonyms detain and reserve are close in meaning, detain suggests a delay in letting go.

detained them for questioning

When could keep be used to replace reserve?

The meanings of keep and reserve largely overlap; however, keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control.

keep this while I'm gone

When might retain be a better fit than reserve?

In some situations, the words retain and reserve are roughly equivalent. However, retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.

managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

When can withhold be used instead of reserve?

The words withhold and reserve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.

withheld information from the authorities

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of reserve

Noun

However, Nepal’s foreign reserves are a comfortable 12 months of imports, high for a low-income country, and no doubt boosted by remittances from the country’s 2-million-plus diaspora. — Vasuki Shastry, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 Meanwhile, countries coordinated by the International Energy Agency continue to release millions of barrels of oil each week from their strategic petroleum reserves — particularly the United States. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 27 July 2026

Verb

Jimothy gets the bobblehead treatment Outside of the digital realm, Jimothy officially earned an honor usually reserved for the most elite athletes, celebrities, world leaders and cultural icons – the bobblehead treatment. — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 25 July 2026 Saturdays are often reserved for live music on the Wu Wei Tea Temple’s small stage. — Marin Independent Journal, Mercury News, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reserve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve

Noun

The high-oil-price monster is threatening to break through its restraints.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Perhaps more concerning, such restraints wouldn’t apply to foreign firms such as AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, and Novartis.

— Craig Garthwaite, Fortune, 24 July 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

Art supplies, backpacks, stationery, educational organization tools like binders and file folders, lunch boxes, music instruments, flash drives and more count as school supplies.

— Zuri Primos July 25, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Normally, more than 20% of the world’s energy supplies would transit that critical waterway to reach the global market.

— Christine Romans, NBC news, 25 July 2026

Definition of supply

Noun

Elgersma, a 22-year-old midfielder who starred at Redlands High, entered his second MLS match as a late substitute and ruined Roman Bürki’s clean sheet.

— Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Moreover, topping up on certain vitamins is no substitute for a healthy, balanced diet.

— Cat Rainsford, Popular Science, 23 July 2026

Definition of substitute

Noun

The contract will procure spares for F-35 fighter jets and will deploy spare packages to the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, F-35 program partners and foreign military customers.

— Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 July 2026
Stroll subsequently couldn’t participate in FP2 as the team did not have enough time to repair the damage and had to fly more spares out to Hungary from its UK factory.

— Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Definition of spare

Verb

Overnight stays require a wilderness permit booked in advance by calling the refuge’s reservation line; walk-ins are not allowed.

— Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
Families should book one of the bunk bed rooms, or the two-bedroom standalone cottage, complete with knotty pine walls.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 July 2026

Definition of book

Verb

Some members and associates of the Seidler family are expected to retain at least a portion of their stakes in the Padres.

— Dennis Lin, New York Times, 22 July 2026
The extradition process requires a hearing before a US judge to determine whether the treaty’s requirements are met, but the final decision is made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who retains discretion to deny extradition.

— Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Definition of retain

Verb

This presents an opportunity for colleges and universities to dedicate more resources toward understanding and improving the off-campus student experience.

— Kyle Brody, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Marcus is creating and starring in a Channel 4 Blap titled F**k Ups, about a teen, Miracle June Jones, who has dedicated her entire existence to greatness.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 29 July 2026

Definition of dedicate

Noun

The show, will bring together work by over forty artists working across a multitude of different disciplines, including textiles, installation, video, painting and sculpture.

— News Desk, Artforum, 27 July 2026
Where the category lands depends on formulation discipline, tolerance and how quickly the science catches up to the marketing.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of discipline

Browse Nearby Words

reservations

reserve

reserved

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of reserve

noun

verb

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