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
This monetary realignment underscores gold’s role as a neutral and financially resilient reserve asset in the fragmented world economy. Andreas Panosyan, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 The Americans topped the group by beating Paraguay and Australia in their two opening matches, then played almost all reserves in a last-second loss to Turkey to finish out the group stage. Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 29 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
  • Haaland, a fan favorite in the tournament, will start the match on the substitutes' bench, ESPN reported Friday.
    Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • Mathewson noted that merely keeping abreast of the latest developments is no substitute for working with them directly.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Companies such as Modern Spare and EZ Spare Wheel offer kits with a temporary spare, jack, lug wrench, and carrying case.
    John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • There will be concerts, but only certain artists need apply — most of those originally booked have already walked out, saying they were misled about the event’s political affiliations.
    Otis Moss III, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
  • Everything after that is a matter of planning ahead, whether that means booking accommodations in advance or bringing the right gear.
    Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • The Heat began Tuesday by retaining three-point shooting forward Simone Fontecchio in free agency, and then continued to address its need for outside shooting when league-wide free agent negotiations were permitted to begin Tuesday night.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
  • Buildings with no air conditioning will heat up and retain the heat.
    Bill Kelly, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • As America celebrates its 250th birthday, the National World War I Museum and Memorial is celebrating a milestone of its own — 100 years since President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the signature limestone tower memorial in the heart of Kansas City.
    Matthew Kelly July 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
  • Then dedicate time to defining your internal stakeholders and regularly engaging with them on the work taking place.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Platforms built around incentive capture, funding cost discipline and structural durability are well-positioned to deliver the hedge that households are now actively seeking.
    Vinesh Karthic Padmanabhan, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • The Honorary Award is given to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences in any discipline, or outstanding service to the Academy.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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