Synonyms of reserve

reserve 1 of 2

noun

1

as in restraint

the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others

the salesclerk showed great reserve in dealing with the unreasonable demands of the angry customer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restraint
• discipline
• suppression
• inhibition
• repression
• composure
• discretion
• constraint
• self-control
• possession
• refrainment
• self-restraint
• control
• will
• self-command
• continence
• willpower
• mastery
• silence
• self-discipline
• distance
• command
• reticence
• self-government
• aloofness
• modesty
• self-poise
• taciturnity
• bashfulness
• self-possession
• shyness
• self-containment
• self-mastery
• self-censorship
• self-denial
• detachedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incontinence
• disinhibition
• indulgence
• gratification
• unconstraint
• frankness
• uninhibitedness
• candor
• overindulgence
• bluntness
• unrestrainedness
• intemperance
• self-abandonment
• self-indulgence
• immoderacy

2

as in supply

a collection of things kept available for future use or need

our fuel reserves are low

Synonyms & Similar Words

• supply
• hoard
• deposit
• store
• cache
• collection
• fund
• bank
• reservoir
• budget
• stockpile
• stock
• pool
• nest egg
• accumulation
• arsenal
• gathering
• armory
• assemblage

3

as in substitute

a person or thing that takes the place of another

when the first brigade fell back in retreat, the commander sent out the reserves to try to hold the line of battle

Synonyms & Similar Words

• substitute
• replacement
• backup
• surrogate
• assistant
• cover
• stand-in
• sub
• relief
• fill-in
• pinch hitter
• designated hitter
• alternate
• delegate
• locum tenens
• proxy
• deputy
• representative
• agent
• second
• commissary
• makeshift
• attorney
• apology
• rep
• understudy
• factor
• assignee
• stopgap
• successor
• envoy
• procurator
• reliever
• superseder

4

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

• spare
• backup
• substitute
• extra
• replacement
• stock
• copy
• double
• reproduction
• duplicate
• clone
• replica
• carbon copy
• replication
• dummy
• dupe

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prototype
• original
• archetype

reserve

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈzərv 

1

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

• book
• hire
• retain
• earmark
• bespeak
• contract
• engage

2

as in to retain

to continue to have in one's possession or power

I'm reserving the right to work by myself if you don't do your share of the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

• retain
• keep
• hold
• preserve
• save
• withhold
• possess
• have
• protect
• conserve
• guard
• hold on to
• enjoy
• hang on to
• own
• control
• manage
• rule
• boast
• direct
• treasure
• command
• cherish
• detain
• cling (to)
• harbor
• bear
• hug

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• relinquish
• yield
• surrender
• release
• give up
• abandon
• contribute
• give
• drop
• donate
• discard
• cede
• hand over
• reject
• dump
• decline
• lose
• repudiate
• hand out
• spurn

3

as in to dedicate

to keep or intend for a special purpose

we must reserve this cup for ceremonial use only

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dedicate
• devote
• save
• allocate
• set apart
• set by
• give up (to)
• set aside
• use
• earmark
• consecrate
• entrust
• bless
• employ
• sanctify
• apply
• confide
• commit
• consign
• hallow
• bestow

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• neglect
• misuse
• misapply

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

Recent Examples of reserve

Noun

Head coach Eli Drinkwitz was pleased with most of the starters’ performance, but spent his news conference, in part, bemoaning simple mistakes by the reserves. — Pj Green september 4, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026

Bates was only a reserve police officer and, at the time of his arrest, was working highway construction security, according to authorities. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Verb

In the ballroom case, Roberts broke with that stance, not only joining the three liberal Justices but reserving his authority to write the dissent himself. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

Tenderness is often reserved for moments of isolation when the characters are reflecting on their trysts or their wants; rarely is that articulated between two people. — Tembe Denton-Hurst, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026