reserve 1 of 2

noun

Definition of reservenext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in supply
a collection of things kept available for future use or need our fuel reserves are low

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
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
4
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 How to pronounce reserve (audio)
1
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
2
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
3
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
By the end of the month, we were locked in our houses with our strategic reserves of toilet paper. —Megan McArdle, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2026 The Ballona wetlands had just been designated a state ecological reserve in 2005, but at the time there was concern the area wouldn’t be managed properly. —Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Verb
The spots, which typically turn up in ad time reserved for local stations, will be seen by a smaller, but younger audience than the one tuned in to the TV network. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026 This generally means federal statutes trump and preempt application of state laws unless those state laws reflect powers constitutionally reserved to the states. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve
  1. restraint
  2. supply
  3. substitute
  4. spare
  5. book
  6. retain
  7. dedicate
  8. discipline
Noun
  • Maryland’s budget process is designed to promote transparency and fiscal restraint.
    — J.B. Jennings, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The verdict signals that prolonged prone restraint during mental health crises is dangerous, potentially changing how juvenile detention centers handle distressed teens.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of restraint
Noun
  • The House passed a bipartisan housing bill that would enact new policies to boost housing supply and ease the affordability crisis plaguing the nation.
    — Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The dwindling fuel supply has also left Cubans facing constant blackouts and long lines at gas stations.
    — Michael Rios, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of supply
Noun
  • Among the recovered materials, dysprosium, ytterbium, and erbium are considered high-value due to strong demand and limited substitutes, while yttrium and gadolinium are widely used in electronics, lighting, and healthcare.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The sweet side using natural flavors are the Rafaello crepe with coconut, Nutella and strawberries, while the Valentine’s crepe substitutes crème patissiere for the coconut.
    — George Castle, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of substitute
Noun
  • That means having standard spares available and maintenance procedures drawn up and tested.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Jan. 2026
  • Precision is necessary to pick up spares.
    — Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025
Definition of spare
Verb
  • The credits apply to hotel bookings of two nights or more booked through Bilt Travel.
    — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The hotel’s outdoor lawn and event space has quickly become a hot wedding venue—nearly every weekend in the summer and fall was booked up.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026
Definition of book
Verb
  • Re-build the agency by hiring and retaining great people.
    — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • According to the American Craft Spirits Association, American craft distilleries rose from 150 to 200 in 2010 to over 3,000 by 2023, and while that number has begun to level off over the past year, the craft whiskey industry retains its strong presence.
    — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of retain
Verb
  • The federal government, the spokesperson said, has dedicated no funding for the forest service to clean them up.
    — Rachel Becker, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • But let’s be honest, dedicating a room to play is also beneficial for the parents (anyone who’s experienced a barefoot encounter with a stray LEGO piece will understand).
    — Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of dedicate
Noun
  • As the discipline grew in popularity, Warren’s students began to take home trophies from tournaments across the country and internationally.
    — Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The Winter Olympics are in full swing in Italy, and athletes from 93 countries are competing in 16 disciplines across eight sports.
    — Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of discipline

Browse Nearby Words

reservations
reserve
reserved
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Cite this Entry

“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reserve

Nglish: Translation of reserve for Spanish Speakers

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