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

Yailin, who was a bit more reserved than her peers on the panel, spoke about the importance of mental health and recalled being a victim of online hate due to her high-profile relationships with urban music artists. —Natalia Cano, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2025

Serve with reserved cranberry mixture, if desired. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025

Verb

High above Rio de Janeiro's coastline, he was given the keys to the city by Mayor Eduardo Paes — an honor usually reserved for the kings and queens of the famous carnival. —Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025

Category 5 is the highest ranking on the hurricane center's Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, reserved for hurricanes with winds of 157 mph or greater. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025