reserved

adjective

re·​served ri-ˈzərvd How to pronounce reserved (audio)
1
: restrained in words and actions
2
: kept or set apart or aside for future or special use
reservedly adverb
reservedness noun
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
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.
My ticket was for travel with up to six others in a reserved couchette cabin. Carlton Reid, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 Sprinkle tops evenly with reserved sugar-flour mixture (about 1 1/2 teaspoons each). Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 28 May 2025 Grill the kebabs over medium heat, turning occasionally and brushing with the reserved vinaigrette. Ashia Aubourg, Outside Online, 24 May 2025 Here, Ellie is more reserved, while Dina has more agency and control. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reserved

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reserved was in 1601

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reserved. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

reserved

adjective
re·​served ri-ˈzərvd How to pronounce reserved (audio)
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 adverb
reservedness
-ˈzər-vəd-nəs
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on reserved

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!