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
The island contains a variety of luxury resorts and wildlife reserves. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025 Co-founder Matt Kuppers served in the German army until last year, and is now a member of the reserve forces. Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
Remove bacon from pan with a slotted spoon, reserving drippings in pan. Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025 Once the blind box is picked, customers will be able to reserve it for five minutes. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve
Noun
  • Cox also called for restraint in reaction to Kirk’s assassination, noting that residents of Utah did not riot or loot or engage in violence, and instead held vigils and said prayers.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Despite efforts by the Biden administration to constrain the spyware market through its executive order, trade and visa restrictions, and sanctions, the industry has continued to operate largely without restraint.
    Vas Panagiotopoulos, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Every September and December, Broadbelt would stuff barrels with care packages, gifts and school supplies to send back to Jamaica.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Insects crawled through clinical areas, and staff food was stored alongside medical supplies.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The last 11 players on the pitch go into the huddle; the substitutes are not involved, making the circle smaller and ensuring players can hear.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The Sacramento River acted as a substitute for the Mississippi River.
    John Turton, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
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, 9 Sep. 2025
  • But its replacement, which happened to be the only spare at the time, worked perfectly for six weeks and then off and on for several more years.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • There was a backlash — even books about how to de-program your Valley Girl.
    Mimi Pond, People.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • In February’s 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Ibrahima Konate was booked in the 31st minute, but lasted until half-time, when he was substituted for Jarell Quansah.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The brands that double down on efforts to retain customers through engagement and personalized experiences stand to win on two fronts–retaining more customers while attracting consumers dissatisfied with their current banking experience.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Always in darkness, PSRs are thought to retain water ice that, if present, could be converted into drinkable water, breathable oxygen and rocket fuel.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Kirk’s zeal caught the attention of Bill Montgomery, a businessman and Tea Party activist, who urged him to forgo college and dedicate himself fully to political organizing.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The architecture of the building, which was dedicated in 1973 and designated as a National Shrine in 2000, also holds meaning.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Because the threat of discipline exists, that could impact the trade market for Hill.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Suddenly, Rogers was below average at all three core disciplines, and was sent to the Orioles at the trading deadline for prospects Connor Norby and Kyle Stowers.
    Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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