reserved

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

Synonyms of reserved

• 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

She is a very reserved young woman.

The front row is reserved for faculty.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cook remaining 1/2 cup butter and 1/4 cup cocoa in reserved saucepan over medium, stirring constantly, until butter is melted and mixture is smooth; remove from heat. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026

Through Sapphire Reserve Experiences, cardholders receive special shopping perks and access to a reserved experience located on the second green, featuring premium seating, complimentary refreshments, private restrooms and more. —Ryley Amond, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026

The Sky also extended a reserved qualifying offer Monday to Sevgi Uzun, maintaining exclusive negotiating rights with the Turkish guard. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

These packages can include reserved seating, venue lounge access, food, expedited entry and other perks, including five-star hotels and transportation to and from events at the highest levels. —Personal Finance Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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