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

• closemouthed
• dumb
• laconic
• reticent
• silent
• taciturn
• tight-lipped
• uncommunicative

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

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

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