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

The legislation would have expanded the Miccosukee Tribe’s reserved area in the Florida Everglades related to flood control. —Lauren Peller, ABC News, 8 Jan. 2026

The Virginia who stepped off the train was forty pounds thinner, and the spark in her eyes had dimmed to a reserved smolder. —Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026

Verb

Polls show that most Americans believe that lengthy prison terms, which are costly to taxpayers, should be reserved for violent and hardened repeat offenders. —Kevin Krause, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026

That score is reserved for unsweetened, steel-cut or rolled oats. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2026