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

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
Strengthen Your Cash Flow And Liquidity Position Strengthening the cash flow and liquidity position involves cutting unnecessary expenses, diversifying revenue streams, improving your reserve of accessible cash and renegotiating with partners, suppliers, vendors and lenders. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 Indonesia sits on vast reserves of natural resources, including nickel, used to make batteries for electric vehicles. Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
Stein reserved issuing a decision on the motions on Wednesday. Molly Crane-Newman, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025 Companies should reserve this term for ideas and strategies that genuinely reshape industries rather than use it as a marketing ploy. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reserve 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve
Noun
  • Nelson’s approach is using limited development timelines not just to save money, but to challenge his team to work within artistic restraints as a way to hone their skills, resulting in more the experimental fare Strange Scaffold has become famous for.
    Hayes Madsen, Rolling Stone, 11 Jan. 2025
  • At the time, there was a common belief in Germany that military restraint had finally made their country a stable and prosperous one, following two devastating wars.
    Sylvia Taschka, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Roger Valdez thinks, writes, works on housing, and advocates for progressive supply side solutions to inflation.
    Roger Valdez, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Still, a dry start to the water year in Southern California could mean looming supply shortfalls.
    Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In terms of a substitute striking so rapidly, the first comparison that came to mind was Nicklas Bendtner for Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur in 2007.
    Phil Hay, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Nutritional yeast, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and dairy substitutes can also provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • That the services will occur on Mr. Biden’s watch during his final days in office spares at least some awkward moments and decisions, since he and not Mr. Trump will be the sitting president at the time of the service.
    Peter Baker, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Carry a basic tool kit with useful spares and don't be shy about getting your hands dirty!
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • High performers skip lines by booking specific slots, paying for priority access and going elsewhere if service is slow.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
  • For a more modern alternative to the sleigh ride, families can book a more extensive wildlife-spotting excursion through Jackson Hole and the surrounding area with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Finally, pay a visit to a former U.S. Weather Bureau Station building which now functions as a welcome center but retains its 1901 appearance and can give further insight into weather forecasting sciences of the past.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025
  • If the buyer is not a U.S. company and does not desire to grant stock options or equity incentives, what types of cash compensation plans will the buyer use to retain key employees of the seller?
    AllBusiness, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The village dedicated a new police station as part of the Public Safety Campus in 2018.
    Linda Girardi, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Homeless advocates, in fact, debate whether the organizations that dedicate money, resources and volunteers to bring food and such may be doing more harm than good.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Arteta’s standards of discipline outweighed Aubameyang’s goalscoring.
    Phil Hay, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
  • However, her lifelong dedication to dance and cheer tells a story less about luck and more about the discipline, ambition and heart famously needed to become a Cowboys Cheerleader.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near reserve

Cite this Entry

“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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