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 bill hands the MBTA $535 million for improvements and transportation infrastructure upgrades, including $300 million to replenish the agency’s budget reserve and $175 million for workforce and safety improvements recommended by the Federal Transit Administration. Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 18 June 2025 Because of the dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency and confidence from investors that America’s government will always pay its bills, the U.S. borrows at much better rates than its underlying finances would normally allow. Greg McKenna, Fortune, 18 June 2025
Verb
Buildings with 20 or more units may reserve no more than 10% of their units as short-term rentals. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 17 June 2025 Hackman Capital Partners announced on Tuesday a partnership with Interwoven Studios aimed at offering creators production services and studio amenities typically reserved for films and TV shows. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for reserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve
Noun
  • Some voices, such as Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, have urged restraint against rushing to defer to Israel’s efforts—putting leading leftists in an odd confluence with folks like Carlson and former Trump counselor Steve Bannon.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 17 June 2025
  • While members called for restraint and diplomacy, divisions remain.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement Cuomo has pledged to increase the housing supply, in part by identifying public land that could be redeveloped, and pass rent-stabilization laws.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 24 June 2025
  • While the nation’s food supply faces all sorts of threats, from diseases to tariffs to climate change, we are now faced with what can happen when the food supply is attacked by hackers, and not by directly targeting stores’ systems.
    Louis Biscotti, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • There is no substitute for these resources – not from philanthropy, industry or states.
    Shalin Jyotishi, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Disappointed that there was no face-to-face meeting; phone conversations are a substitute.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Shown here are four mission spares, including Marie Curie [foreground].
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 31 May 2025
  • Bring backups of critical items: Remember essentials such as medications or seasickness remedies, and pack spares for things that can get wet (or lost) like gloves, hats, and socks.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Thug’s grand performance at Summer Smash was years in the making, as he and Gunna were initially booked as headliners for the 2022 edition.
    Mark P. Braboy, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
  • Multiple outlets reported that the Gritti Palace, the St. Regis, the Belmond Cipriani and Hotel Danieli have all been booked in part or in full.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Patients retain more energy, more dignity, more of their ordinary lives.
    Siddhartha Mukherjee, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
  • For example, by day 70, Manhattan condos retain almost 97% of their original asking price, while Manhattan townhouses have already slipped to 92%.
    John Walkup, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • Cyrus dedicated a sweet tribute to her on Instagram at the time.
    Jack Irvin, People.com, 17 June 2025
  • More advanced tiers have dedicated support options and helplines that aren't available with Teams Essentials, however.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • This kind of discipline builds clarity, momentum and trust.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Portes, formerly of DePaul, took over as chair in 2024 and has overhauled the school’s undergraduate theater program, with plans to gradually grow the graduate acting cohorts and other disciplines.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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