reserve 1 of 2

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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

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verb

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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

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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
Antimony also has hovered at record prices this year, with current values placing the mine’s reserve at about $3 billion. Kevin Fixler september 20, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2025 That could help avoid the dire fiscal situation the school district weathered in June by dipping into reserve funds and eliminating more than 140 full-time positions. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
Or, try reserving one of the two rustic Windigo Camper Cabins. Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2025 In this critical case, the compelling work of medicine—diagnosis, planning, communication, care—was reserved for more experienced pediatricians. Rachel Pearson, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve
Noun
  • Far from abusing its discretion, the district court has exercised care and restraint in managing discovery, affording 'careful consideration' to the government's assertion of privilege.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
  • The most conspicuously comedic turns, like Sul’s or Yamamoto’s, wouldn’t work half as well if not complemented by judicious restraint from others.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There is a chronic lack of supply across the country, estimated by some experts to be between 4 and 7 million homes.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Flight engineers are now determining a new target arrival date for Cygnus, one of four vehicles contracted to transport cargo and other supplies to the orbital laboratory.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Florian Wirtz, a £116m arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, was another second-half substitute for the Premier League champions.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Black walnuts are the local favorite, but hazelnuts, which also grow in the area, are a fine substitute.
    Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Furthermore, all items containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries, along with spares or uninstalled batteries, belong in carry-on baggage, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
    Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Sep. 2025
  • But its replacement, which happened to be the only spare at the time, worked perfectly for six weeks and then off and on for several more years.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Yes, there is naivety to his play at times — that is inevitable for one so young, and was evident again when he was booked for a dive just before the interval.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Fatherley is due in court in November and will not be booked into the county jail in the meantime, District Attorney Mark Dupree said in a Thursday news conference.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The brands that double down on efforts to retain customers through engagement and personalized experiences stand to win on two fronts–retaining more customers while attracting consumers dissatisfied with their current banking experience.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Always in darkness, PSRs are thought to retain water ice that, if present, could be converted into drinkable water, breathable oxygen and rocket fuel.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Sliding left and right replaces dedicated back and forward controls, but sliding isn't as reliable as just tapping a button.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Hagerty was beloved in Grand Forks due to her long career and community involvement, and in 2002 a lift station was dedicated and named in her honor.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That sequencing discipline — contracts and notaries first, token sale last — is what turns digital claims into enforceable assets.
    Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Dividend growers also tend to be leaders in their subsectors, having demonstrated capital discipline in terms of reinvesting in their business and generating stockholder payouts, said Matt Quinlan, portfolio manager at Franklin Templeton.
    Michelle Fox, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

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