1
as in deposits
a collection of things kept available for future use or need
our fuel reserves are low
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in substitutes
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
3
as in spares
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
1
2
as in retains
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 dedicates
to keep or intend for a special purpose
we must reserve this cup for ceremonial use only
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 reserves
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
There are wildlife reserves, once beloved by Hollywood stars like John Wayne and Gregory Peck, where new lodges have begun opening up.
—Lisa Grainger, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026
Promoter reserves the right not to provide any awards (or fewer than the quantity of awards identified above) if, in its sole discretion, there are not a sufficient number of eligible and qualified Submissions received.
—Time, 10 Feb. 2026
Last month, the government launched a plan to monetize the nation’s gas reserves, which are the largest in Africa.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Central banks have been adding to gold reserves at elevated levels, treating it as a core store of value rather than a short-term trade.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
The city has leaned on its rainy-day reserves and discretionary funds to cover the deficit for the current budget cycle.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 7 Feb. 2026
UConn’s reserves combined for just six points and three turnovers.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026
White has apparently perfected his player-retainment speech, since several Texas reserves — pitcher Citlaly Gutierrez and utility Kaydee Bennett come to mind — would likely step into prominent roles at other programs.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
Time, 10 Feb. 2026
But this sport reserves its greatest rewards for the exceptional while demanding so much that exceptional seems the only acceptable payoff.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.
—AJC.com, 26 Jan. 2026
In fact, the best system may be to have a modest fee, of $5 to $10, that reserves the stall and covers the hotel’s cost of electricity.
—Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The construct of the NFL typically reserves those picks for the teams still searching for the quarterback, not those who have already figured it out.
—Sam McDowell 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
That the one who removes you from the international feast is the one who generously reserves your seat at the table.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Every institution reserves the right to revoke admission for misconduct, including actions that occur after the acceptance date.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 28 Dec. 2025
Station reserves the right to substitute prize of comparable value.
—Cbs La Staff, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025
Noun
Oceans are expected to hold vast reserves of 230 billion tons.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
There are wildlife reserves, once beloved by Hollywood stars like John Wayne and Gregory Peck, where new lodges have begun opening up.
—Lisa Grainger, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026
Promoter reserves the right not to provide any awards (or fewer than the quantity of awards identified above) if, in its sole discretion, there are not a sufficient number of eligible and qualified Submissions received.
—Time, 10 Feb. 2026
Last month, the government launched a plan to monetize the nation’s gas reserves, which are the largest in Africa.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Central banks have been adding to gold reserves at elevated levels, treating it as a core store of value rather than a short-term trade.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
The city has leaned on its rainy-day reserves and discretionary funds to cover the deficit for the current budget cycle.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 7 Feb. 2026
UConn’s reserves combined for just six points and three turnovers.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026
White has apparently perfected his player-retainment speech, since several Texas reserves — pitcher Citlaly Gutierrez and utility Kaydee Bennett come to mind — would likely step into prominent roles at other programs.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
Promoter reserves the right to verify eligibility and to adjudicate on any dispute at any time.
—Time, 10 Feb. 2026
But this sport reserves its greatest rewards for the exceptional while demanding so much that exceptional seems the only acceptable payoff.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.
—AJC.com, 26 Jan. 2026
In fact, the best system may be to have a modest fee, of $5 to $10, that reserves the stall and covers the hotel’s cost of electricity.
—Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The construct of the NFL typically reserves those picks for the teams still searching for the quarterback, not those who have already figured it out.
—Sam McDowell 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
That the one who removes you from the international feast is the one who generously reserves your seat at the table.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Every institution reserves the right to revoke admission for misconduct, including actions that occur after the acceptance date.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 28 Dec. 2025
Station reserves the right to substitute prize of comparable value.
—Cbs La Staff, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserves
Noun
-
Vinegar is an acid, which dissolves the mineral deposits left behind by hard water, making the stains easier to wipe away without damaging the refrigerator’s surface, says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO at AspenClean.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Statements from October 2024 through April 2025 list the three resident deposits.—
Erik S. Hanley,
jsonline.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Milk, milk substitutes, plain bottled water, 100% juice, coffee, and drinks prepared at home are not considered soft drinks.—
Isa Almeida,
Oklahoman,
14 Feb. 2026
-
When Edwards turned to his substitutes’ bench, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde was the only senior attack-minded option at his disposal.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
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
Verb
-
Alongside the African Diaspora volume, Duran keeps almost all the Hidden Voices guides in her classroom, and has used or expects to use the Jewish, Muslim, Latinx and Asian Americans books in her lesson plans.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The Conditions of Will by Jessa Hastings When her father dies, Georgia Carter reluctantly books a flight home from London to South Carolina.—
Amanda Favazza,
Southern Living,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
The potential inclusions of right-hander Alexis Díaz (a former All-Star closer who still retains minor league options) and left-hander Jacob Latz (who will compete for the fifth starter job) could erase opportunities for others.—
Shawn McFarland,
Dallas Morning News,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Legislature should build on the success of the recent constitutional amendment, Proposition 4, approved by voters, which dedicates funding to securing Texas’ long-term water supply through infrastructure improvements and new water projects.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The layout seen in Yukon and in Wolfforth, Texas, dedicates more than 1,600 square feet to the market area alone.—
Jeff Elkins,
Oklahoman,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Hospitals are so poorly equipped that patients are asked to provide supplies needed for their care, from syringes to surgical screws.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Gripped by a worsening economic crisis, Cuba’s government recently adopted rationing measures to protect essential services and ration fuel supplies for key sectors.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The results point to a future where things like knee braces, exoskeletons, or even joint replacements could be tailored to an individual’s exact joint motion.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
-
As 2026 approaches, more executives are beginning to explore similar forms of digital assistance, not as replacements for human judgment, but as extensions of it.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reserves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserves. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
