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
Hacker is the one that is more so (reserved), especially with an injury that’s so weird like this. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2025 Reese received a rousing ovation during the pregame introductions, an honor usually reserved only for returning Stanford alumni and Caitlin Clark among visiting players. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for reserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve
Noun
  • Shams Charania’s debut as part of ESPN’s NBA Draft coverage last week doubled as a herculean exercise in restraint.
    Peter A. Berry, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2025
  • Most were secular, or observed religion privately and with restraint.
    Kian Tajbakhsh, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Closing the Strait of Hormuz One option that would have massive global consequences would be to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route through which more than 20 percent of the world’s oil supplies pass daily.
    Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 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
  • The information provided here is not legal advice and does not purport to be a substitute for advice of counsel on any specific matter.
    Wen Xie, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Charlie Tasker, a 19-year-old right-back with a strong work ethic who gets up and down the pitch, was an unused substitute in five of Brighton’s Premier League games in April before injuries affected his chances of further involvement.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Neither of these processes is perfect, and so sometimes an atom gets lost and needs to be replaced with one from a reservoir of spares.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 20 June 2025
  • Shown here are four mission spares, including Marie Curie [foreground].
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • They were initially booked on Flight 191 departing Fort Lauderdale on August 2, but changed plans two weeks before.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Whether the Cubs can retain Tucker after this season will factor in, too.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Bezos retained 75% of the couple's Amazon stock, in addition to her voting control in the company, as previously reported by USA TODAY.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Ellie of Arizona has spent years dedicating her time and energy to helping animals.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, on a more frivolous note, Corriere dedicated a piece to the wedding’s security details.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • This kind of discipline builds clarity, momentum and trust.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • But the board noted the discovery of lice is not a basis for lock-in and urged the Correction Department to make sure officers are documenting all interactions via audits, training and the threat of discipline.
    Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 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 5 Jul. 2025.

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