reserve 1 of 2

Definition of reservenext
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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

2 of 2

verb

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

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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
During the budgeting process last year, in the wake of the referendum question’s failure, the board took a variety of measures to close the gap, but ultimately ended up using about $6 million in cash reserves to balance the county’s fiscal year 2026 budget. Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026 On the same night, a separate proposal put forth by Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, would have turned the cash reserve into a compensation fund for Capitol Police officers. Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Verb
When the ship makes its maiden voyage in 2027, a certain allotment of cargo space will be reserved for DHL. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 25 June 2026 Social change tools once reserved for elites — academics, think tanks, publishers, media moguls — were now on everyone’s phones. Henry De Sio, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve
Noun
  • Cornelius Houston will face charges of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit other felony and unlawful restraint, according to Fort Worth jail records.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026
  • Martin's family believes that the long paramedic response time, as well as restraint asphyxia caused by Oakland police officers, caused Martin's death.
    Kassia Bonesteel, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Demand for powerful chips has become essentially infinite thanks to the AI boom—yet the global supply of chips remains capped by how many EUV lithography machines one company can crank out, and by how much fab capacity one other company has available.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
  • According to Quantum Strategy's David Roche, Middle East oil supply is currently close to prewar levels once crude held in storage and aboard tankers is included.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Koulibaly misjudged a clearance and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was unable to keep out substitute Marcus Pedersen’s rasping shot to give Norway the lead close to halftime.
    Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026
  • Goldman Sachs recently highlighted this complexity by describing AI as both a complement and a substitute for labor depending upon the nature of the work involved.
    Michael Edmondson, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • This doesn't see three Li-ion battery packs all connected at once for long-range riding, but rather provides a downtube pack plus two spares in a cage hanging from the rear rack.
    Paul Ridden June 23, New Atlas, 23 June 2026
  • One good test would be to create a national Navy Battle Depot, directing the new PAEs to immediately procure and maintain a full ship set of spares for every major type and variant of vessel in service today, using advanced manufacturing (additive manufacturing and 3D printing) where possible.
    Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • With a quick and creative offensive attack, the Americans have booked their place in the knockout round.
    Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026
  • The property can also be booked for exclusive use or private events.
    Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • That means the county can retain millions of dollars in property taxes, which the Resident Advisory Committee ensures transparency and accountability of.
    Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • Republicans also have a shot at taking the governor’s office and retaining at least one legislative chamber.
    David A. Lieb, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • At 71 years old, she is set to retire from teaching at Mesa Public Schools this year and dedicate herself to weaving full-time.
    Lua Vollaard, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026
  • Those are the two areas López would be best off dedicating all his time and energy to over the next two years.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The conversation was no longer focused on accessibility as a discipline.
    Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • These are professionals who have spent years working alongside some of the best filmmakers in the world and who bring an extraordinary level of expertise, discipline and problem solving to every production.
    Ed Meza, Variety, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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