RESERVE Synonyms: 195 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

reserve 1 of 2

noun

Definition of reserve next

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

as in supply

a collection of things kept available for future use or need our fuel reserves are low

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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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

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈzərv

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

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

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

Examples 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

There’s been no explanation for the decision to keep those reserves low, though critics have suggested Iran likely sold the fuel to cover budget shortfalls. —

Nasser Karimi and Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024 To say that the combination of all of these elements leads up to a final act and a fill-in-the-blanks coda that devastates you all the more for its unusual attack on your emotional reserves does not do justice to the actual act of seeing it. —

David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2024

Verb

At least Kyle didn’t reserve his pumpkin-revealing act for the playoffs. —

Matt Barrows, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024 Whispering Willow Lake is used by the public for fishing and boating, and the parts of the Mississippi River investigated by the EPA are reserved for swimming and kayaking. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reserve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve

Noun

Medical examiners mentioned physical restraint and Tasers, in part, in some of the causes of those deaths.

Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024
Use of force In the DOJ investigation released last March, federal officials said LMPD officers used excessive force too often, including unjustified neck restraints and unnecessary use of tasers and police dogs.

Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 13 Dec. 2024