Synonyms of reserved

reserved 1 of 2

adjective

ri-ˈzərvd 

as in silent

tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination)

a reserved and shy person who was wrongly thought to be stuck-up until someone finally got into a conversation with her

Synonyms & Similar Words

• silent
• restrained
• dumb
• taciturn
• reticent
• laconic
• uncommunicative
• tight-lipped
• inhibited
• introverted
• closemouthed
• aloof
• sedate
• bashful
• staid
• retiring
• modest
• diffident
• indrawn
• backward
• self-contained
• sheepish
• coy
• sober
• demure
• self-effacing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unreserved
• communicative
• talkative
• vocal
• outspoken
• loquacious
• conversational
• chatty
• garrulous
• talky
• mouthy
• gabby
• gossipy
• blabby
• diffuse
• motormouthed
• outgoing
• free-spoken
• verbose
• wordy
• prolix
• extroverted
• windy
• sociable
• rambling
• gregarious
• talebearing
• long-winded

reserved

2 of 2

verb

past tense of reserve

1

as in booked

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

• booked
• hired
• earmarked
• retained
• bespoke
• engaged
• contracted

2

as in retained

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

• retained
• kept
• held
• preserved
• possessed
• withheld
• saved
• protected
• had
• guarded
• conserved
• owned
• enjoyed
• held on to
• hung on to
• controlled
• boasted
• ruled
• managed
• directed
• detained
• cherished
• hugged
• commanded
• clung (to)
• bore
• treasured
• harbored

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• released
• abandoned
• surrendered
• yielded
• ceded
• dropped
• gave
• gave up
• relinquished
• contributed
• donated
• discarded
• handed over
• rejected
• dumped
• lost
• declined
• handed out
• repudiated
• spurned

3

as in dedicated

to keep or intend for a special purpose

we must reserve this cup for ceremonial use only

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dedicated
• devoted
• allocated
• saved
• earmarked
• set by
• set apart
• consecrated
• gave up (to)
• used
• set aside
• entrusted
• blessed
• confided
• consigned
• employed
• applied
• sanctified
• committed
• bestowed
• hallowed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignored
• neglected
• misused
• misapplied

Synonym Chooser

How is the word reserved distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of reserved are reticent, secretive, silent, and taciturn. While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange.

greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

When could reticent be used to replace reserved?

While the synonyms reticent and reserved are close in meaning, reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs.

was reticent about his plans

When would secretive be a good substitute for reserved?

In some situations, the words secretive and reserved are roughly equivalent. However, secretive, too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal.

the secretive research and development division

When is it sensible to use silent instead of reserved?

The meanings of silent and reserved largely overlap; however, silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed.

the strong, silent type

Where would taciturn be a reasonable alternative to reserved?

While in some cases nearly identical to reserved, taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

taciturn villagers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of reserved

Adjective

But where Dad is excitable, McGonigle is more reserved. —Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026

Election judge Juzar Hasta, a Democrat, said there have been periods at the Valley Ranch Library in Irving in which Democrats have had to wait in line for one of the party’s nine voting machines to be freed up while the nine reserved for Republicans sat empty. —Tracey McManus, Dallas Morning News, 23 Feb. 2026

Verb

Change isn’t just reserved for the future, though. —J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2026

Cosmic Campground, New Mexico The Cosmic Campground is located within the Gila National Forest in western New Mexico and was designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary — a certification reserved for only the darkest and most remote locations. —Megan Eaves, Outside, 20 Feb. 2026