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
Almanza guided the Bobcats to three more scores before reserves came on to finish out the game. —Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2025 According to a news release from the city, the donation would expand open space options near the Mesa and Table Rock reserves and could create trail connections for nearby Table Rock trails, which are part of the Ridge to Rivers trail system. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
In the warmer months, reserve an outdoor table and explore their extensive Umbrian wine list. —John Skelton, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025 Guests can reserve seats online on OpenTable. —Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 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
  • While objecting to restraints, Robinson’s attorneys agree with the sheriff that the court should limit or ban video and photographic coverage of proceedings.
    — Stepheny Price , Melissa Chrise, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • To complement the architecture’s rigor, the current owners turned to designer André Mellone of Studio Mellone, known for his elegant restraint and understanding of proportion.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
Definition of restraint
Noun
  • Indian officials have argued that it if the country were to stop buying Russian oil, a plan must be put in place to stabilize energy markets, along with a contingency to fill the shortfall in supply if Russian barrels are taken off the market.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
  • New Jerseyans’ electricity rates rose roughly 20% at the start of June as a result of price-setting capacity auctions—the market where power producers are paid to guarantee future supply.
    — Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
Definition of supply
Noun
  • In Normal, Odenkirk plays an unassuming substitute sheriff with a troubled past who, after moving to a small, sleepy town, responds to a bank robbery and unknowingly uncovers something far more explosive.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Do not take this as a substitute for sitting down with someone in a white coat to tell you what’s what.
    — Quispe López, Them., 24 Oct. 2025
Definition of substitute
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, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Something around the house is always in need of new batteries, and the junk drawer can be a good place to keep the spares.
    — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025
Definition of spare
Verb
  • Kinds of Kindness last year booked a $75k per screen average at five locations.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase TravelSM, including The EditSM and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct.
    — Meghan Hunter, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2025
Definition of book
Verb
  • The design challenge is to maintain console-grade responsiveness while retaining flexibility, likely through a dedicated TV shell and systems that manage background apps and drivers.
    — Alex Harrington, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Sarah retained her Duchess of York title following her divorce.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Definition of retain
Verb
  • Kardashian Barker made sure to dedicate two spots in her Instagram Carousel to show off the nighttime swim photos that her sister posted initially in October 2020.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Darrois revealed that, on his first day in jail, the ex-president dedicated some time to exercising, as well as starting to write his book.
    — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Definition of dedicate
Noun
  • The situation could result in potential discipline for the Ravens, ranging from fines or loss of draft picks to possible suspensions if the NFL determines a serious violation occurred.
    — Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Her take on ballet barre classes blend the discipline with Pilates and yoga principles, and is designed to develop a strong, muscular physique while strengthening the core with balance, grounding and breathing techniques.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 2025.

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