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
The China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) is a key component of Beijing’s BRI strategy, linking China’s Yunnan Province with Myanmar’s vast energy reserves, natural resources, and access to the Indian Ocean. —Ye Myo Hein, Foreign Affairs, 17 Apr. 2025 Potential lineup Starters: Miles, Scherr, Hunter, Suarez, Silva Sixth man: Bigby Key reserves: Basham, Parker, Roberson, Bielefeld Breakdown: The Horned Frogs played mostly with a seven-player rotation this season with Van Lith, Prince and Conner all logging at least 32 minutes per game. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
In most cases, they are best reserved for serious athletes, older adults, and people who cannot consume enough protein through food. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025 The resort also offers a children’s program, Paintbox, for children ages 5 to 12, and guests can reserve a complimentary UPPAbaby Remi™ Playard or Ridge® Jogging Stroller through the Stay & Stroll Program. —Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2025 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
  • The holding was manifestly correct, but the dicta may be equally important in counseling greater restraint on both sides.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025
  • After three consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Final from 2020-22, the combination of age and salary-cap restraints had diminished the Tampa Bay roster.
    — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of restraint
Noun
  • So events occurring far from the Caribbean can have major repercussions for its ability to ensure an affordable and varied energy supply.
    — Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Bespoke in-state fuel standards combined with perennial supply disruptions from things like refinery breakdowns expose consumers and businesses to volatile price swings.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of supply
Noun
  • After watching Lemina flounder as a substitute in the 3-0 home loss against Nottingham Forest on January 6 — his first appearance for the new coach after injury — Pereira removed him from his first-team plans.
    — Steve Madeley, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Jonathan Rodriguez made his season debut for the Timbers as a second-half substitute.
    — Anne M. Peterson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of substitute
Noun
  • There's also a stock of parts and spares, and a follow-up list of inventory in third-party warehouses that has had its value cut by 65% for the purpose of liquidation.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Because their visitors were man-for-man, whoever pressed Ederson would leave a player spare.
    — Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
Definition of spare
Verb
  • The company booked $10.2 billion of orders in the first quarter and the backlog increased to $123 billion.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Police said she was arrested and booked in the local jail on no bond.
    — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of book
Verb
  • During an interview earlier this week, Witkoff alluded to the idea that Iran would be able to retain uranium enriched to approximately 3.7% for the purposes of energy production.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Last week, the Trump administration demanded Harvard change multiple policies — including those regarding protesting and diversity, equity and inclusion programs — in order to retain its federal funding.
    — Tara Suter, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of retain
Verb
  • This poignant admission from a performer who has dedicated a significant portion of his life to professional wrestling highlights the demanding nature of the business and the inevitable impact of time on even the most resilient athletes.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Colby College in Maine has dedicated a website to the church describing the various scenes and the 13 artists featured in the building.
    — Ashley J. DiMella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of dedicate
Noun
  • Finch was unimpressed with his team’s offensive game plan discipline in the face of a desperate defense.
    — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2025
  • This law also explicitly subjects federal prosecutors to state bar discipline.
    — Cassandra Burke Robertson, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2025
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 1 May. 2025.

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