reserved 1 of 2

Definition of reservednext

reserved

2 of 2

verb

past tense of reserve

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

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 reserved
Adjective
That might sound too timid in 2026, too reserved for a time when rights are being rolled back every day, and Gauthier recorded a much more direct version of the song late last year. Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 15 June 2026 Most important of all, the Experience includes a reserved table. Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 June 2026
Verb
Eight apartments will be reserved as affordable housing, with rents priced toward tenants earning 80% of the area’s average income. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2026 But the upside is not necessarily reserved for the titans of industry that currently occupy the Fortune 500. Claire Zillman, Fortune, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reserved
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserved
Adjective
  • Coffin came up with the 1920s backdrop – an era that saw cinema shift from silent films to talkies — and did something the franchise rarely permits — make something personal.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 20 June 2026
  • The Rangers offense was silent during the beginning of the game, while the defense held together.
    Cal Phillips, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Ecuador was among the countries that booked the most travel arrangements to the Kansas City area.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026
  • With a quick and creative offensive attack producing goals in front of stadium-shaking home crowds, the Americans have already won their group and booked their place in the knockout round.
    Jim Vertuno, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party retained its large parliamentary majority in recent elections overshadowed by unrest in Africa’s second-most-populous country.
    Jenny Vaughan, semafor.com, 22 June 2026
  • One-year-old Kohen Wiley, his mother and a family friend were in the vehicle at the time, according to Ben Crump Law, which has been retained by the victim's family.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • After winning the Grammy for best contemporary country album in February, Jelly Roll emotionally dedicated the trophy to Bunnie, who wept and applauded in the audience.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • When the Liberty Memorial was dedicated in 1926, Queen Anne of Romania was among the dignitaries to attend the ceremony.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • At first, the fins were tasteful and restrained, adding jet-age glamour to post-war American cars.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • Material choices are homey and restrained—soft woods, neutral fabrics, and sculptural artwork chosen during frequent meetings between the designers and clients—creating a quieter, more private atmosphere than the communal areas elsewhere onboard.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Following their arrival, word spread among law enforcement at Kansas City Stadium (aka Arrowhead) that the King and Queen were en route — and the path to the VVIP (yes, very very) entrance was cleared by FBI officials, who kept fans away from the area.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026
  • Lynn's infectious personality and ongoing quest for selfies made her someone that everyone wanted to know, and her sharp wit kept readers coming back for more.
    Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Almost a decade ago, Coerte began writing a script for a movie about Ann and Earl Morris, married archeologists who devoted their lives to unearthing Navajo history in the American Southwest.
    Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 17 June 2026
  • Kawar has devoted much of her life to documenting, collecting, and showcasing embroidered clothing, jewellery, and objects of daily life from settlements across West Asia.
    News Desk, Artforum, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • And the script’s very cute but deeply dumb leading man, Alex (Nico Carney), climbs a flight of stairs toward his best friend’s bedroom door.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 June 2026
  • And there are no ego-destroying confrontations with people who know how to do things, who tell you that your idea is dumb.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserved. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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