RESERVE Synonyms: 195 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

reserve 1 of 2

noun

Definition of reserve next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in supply

a collection of things kept available for future use or need our fuel reserves are low

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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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reserve

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈzərv

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

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to dedicate

to keep or intend for a special purpose we must reserve this cup for ceremonial use only

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

How is the word reserve distinct from other similar verbs?

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

As part of a historic emergency oil release agreed by 32 member countries of the International Energy Agency earlier this month, the United States has committed to releasing more than 172 million barrels of crude from its reserves. —

John Liu, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026 Those reserves can only be tapped so quickly. —

Camila Domonoske, NPR, 20 Mar. 2026

Verb

Both dates were already reserved on the Comscore calendar by the studio with untitled holds. —

Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026 In the fall, the City Council approved a proposal to demolish the complex altogether and replace it with a 142-unit residential development of mostly townhouses, but also 20 single-family homes and at least seven units reserved as affordable to very-low-income households. —

Heather McRea, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reserve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve

Noun

Those documents go on to cite state data that shows a 39% increase in the use of restraints in two separate six-month periods in 2023 and 2024.

— Austen Erblat, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
The opening two weeks of the current fighting, however, have seen a significant loosening of the restraints on targeting critical infrastructure.

— Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2026

Definition of restraint

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reservations

reserve

reserved

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“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 22 Mar 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of reserve

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