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
For the most part, Trump’s crypto backers all wanted a strategic bitcoin reserve. Ari Levy,mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2025 Trump tried to inject some nitro into the crypto markets on Sunday by announcing that his plans for a US strategic reserve were in motion. George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
Further, theaters and studios have trained moviegoers to view the theatrical experience as something largely reserved for massive spectacles and franchises. Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2025 What To Know On Friday, a fiery exchange took place between Trump, Vance, and Zelensky, which was a striking moment of open antagonism in the Oval Office, a space typically reserved for formal diplomacy. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve
Noun
  • That's reality for a country that, across Democratic and Republican administrations, has spent taxpayer money without restraint or care about debt.
    Axios, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025
  • This season was about restraint and impact — where luxury was deliberate, innovation measured, and the conversation between past and present more compelling than ever.
    Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Naperville has been grappling with the fate of its electric supply for more than a year now.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The tight egg supply caused by avian influenza, coupled with 23 consecutive months of high sales volume, has created a perfect storm in egg markets.
    Katherine Faulders, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Think of it as a high-tech sprinkler system: excellent at putting out small fires instantly, but not a substitute for eliminating flammable materials in the first place.
    Michael Roytman, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • But animals often make poor substitutes for humans.
    Celia Ford, Vox, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Because their visitors were man-for-man, whoever pressed Ederson would leave a player spare.
    Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Most former Grand Prix bikes that reach auction have a racing provenance, but this one is an absolute unicorn – a grand prix racing bike untouched from new, with spares.
    Mike Hanlon, New Atlas, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The hurdles that come with hopping on a flight with young children these days are already enough to deter many parents from booking a vacation.
    Liz Regalia, Parents, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Both suspects were arrested and booked into main jail.
    Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The filing stated that almost 5,800 USAID awards for future work, and approximately 4,100 distributed through the State Department, will be terminated, while around 500 USAID awards and roughly 2,700 State Department awards will be retained.
    MaryAlice Parks, ABC News, 28 Feb. 2025
  • That contest went the 12-round distance, with Herring retaining his belt.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Opening in Belfast this March, the store will dedicate 8,700 square feet entirely to interiors, soft furnishings, and home accessories, marking a clear statement of intent in a category that has been growing steadily.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • In the years following his death, his mother Voletta dedicated herself to preserving her son’s legacy.
    Shirley Halperin for The Hollywood Reporter, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Trump’s style as President offers a case study in the risks of founder-style leadership without operational discipline.
    Paul Klein, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The office also oversees a large data collection project that tracks disparities in resources, course access and discipline for students of different racial and socioeconomic groups.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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