reserved

1 of 2

adjective

re·​served ri-ˈzərvd 

1

: restrained in words and actions

2

: kept or set apart or aside for future or special use

reservedly

ri-ˈzər-vəd-lē 

adverb

reservedness

ri-ˈzər-vəd-nəs 

noun

reserved

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of reserve entry 1

Synonyms of reserved

Adjective

• silent
• restrained
• dumb

Choose the Right Synonym for reserved

silent, taciturn, reticent, reserved, secretive mean showing restraint in speaking.

silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed.

the strong, silent type

taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

taciturn villagers

reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs.

was reticent about his plans

reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange.

greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

secretive, too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal.

the secretive research and development division

Examples of reserved in a Sentence

Adjective

She is a very reserved young woman.

The front row is reserved for faculty.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Return to baking sheet and re-cover with reserved plastic wrap. — Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026

Return the meatballs to the skillet along with the reserved pineapple tidbits and ½ cup chopped green bell pepper. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026

Aidaya has introduced SuiSui, a reserved ticketing system designed for restaurants, in which customers get priority entry by paying a fee separate from the meal cost. — Masayuki Oi Japan News, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026

Raissa, who comes from a loving and involved family, is studious, a whiz at math and science, and more reserved. — Parents, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reserved

• reserved power

Rhymes for reserved

• underserved
• undeserved
• unobserved
• unreserved
• conserved
• decurved
• deserved
• incurved
• observed
• preserved
• recurved
• subserved

Kids Definition

reserved

adjective

re·​served ri-ˈzərvd 

1

: cautious in words and actions

a reserved young man

2

: kept or set apart or aside for future or special use

a reserved table

reservedly

-ˈzər-vəd-lē 

adverb

reservedness

-ˈzər-vəd-nəs

noun