RESERVED Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

reserved 1 of 2

adjective

ri-ˈzərvd

Definition of reserved

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reserved

2 of 2

verb

past tense of reserve

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dedicated

to keep or intend for a special purpose we must reserve this cup for ceremonial use only

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Pour the sauce over the macaroni and toss, adding the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time, as needed, to thin. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026 In Paper Tiger, there’s something more reserved and gentle about him. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

Verb

The first decision ordered TV Globo to remove an empty seat that was reserved for Lula, who would have been the focus of questions from his rivals in attendance. — ABC News, 1 Oct. 2026 This was reflected in this year’s SpaceX IPO where the allotment reserved for retail exceeded 20%. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reserved

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserved

Adjective

The flag officers stayed almost completely silent as Hegseth spoke about culture war issues mentioned in his book The War on Warriors.

— Quil Lawrence, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
There are more than 40,000 exhibits, including a digital Sistine Chapel, silent films, archive material and, of course, plenty of Star Wars and Indiana Jones costumes, props and vehicles.

— Will Barker, TheWeek, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of silent

Verb

Insider tip Even if you’re not booked in for a treatment, make time for the spa’s indoor pool.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
He was booked at the Placer County Jail and was released later Thursday morning after posting a $10,000 bail bond, jail record show.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of booked

Verb

Investment banks JPMorgan Chase and Raine Group were retained to assist with the process.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Ultimately, though, Cramer retained the Club's shares because of his trust in the veteran leadership team of CEO Satya Nadella and CFO Amy Hood.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of retained

Adjective

Producers who do choose to use barrels do so to enhance the fruit flavors and not overpower them thus making elegant, restrained whites.

— Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026
Dark and atmospheric, yet restrained and sophisticated, as Dunn-Edwards describes it, this hue represents a clear shift in design toward depth, personality, and nuanced warmth for both contemporary and traditional styles.

— Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of restrained

Verb

Two weeks into fighting, the unforgiving mountainous terrain, heavy Saudi and government air power, and a reenergized anti-Houthi coalition have kept the Houthi advance in check, preventing a collapse on the level of that in mid-September.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
Economics from other streams, such as concessions, on-site merchandise sales, parking and premium seating are overwhelmingly kept by the home team, and that’s largely what’s missed with the London games.

— Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of kept

Browse Nearby Words

reserve

reserved

reservedness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Reserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserved. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of reserved

adjective

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

discreet

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes