Synonyms of reserves

reserves 1 of 2

noun

plural of reserve

1

as in deposits

a collection of things kept available for future use or need

our fuel reserves are low

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deposits
• supplies
• hoards
• caches
• stores
• funds
• collections
• reservoirs
• stockpiles
• arsenals
• budgets
• banks
• stocks
• accumulations
• nest eggs
• pools
• armories
• gatherings
• assemblages

2

as in substitutes

a person or thing that takes the place of another

when the first brigade fell back in retreat, the commander sent out the reserves to try to hold the line of battle

Synonyms & Similar Words

• substitutes
• replacements
• backups
• surrogates
• assistants
• subs
• covers
• reliefs
• pinch hitters
• proxies
• designated hitters
• delegates
• alternates
• stand-ins
• locum tenentes
• fill-ins
• deputies
• representatives
• agents
• apologies
• understudies
• factors
• commissaries
• makeshifts
• assignees
• attorneys
• reps
• seconds
• successors
• relievers
• procurators
• envoys
• stopgaps
• superseders

3

as in spares

an interchangeable part or piece of equipment that is kept on hand for replacement of an original

don't throw that extra bike chain away, as I want to keep it as a reserve in case the current one breaks

Synonyms & Similar Words

• spares
• substitutes
• backups
• replacements
• extras
• stocks
• copies
• reproductions
• doubles
• duplicates
• clones
• replicas
• carbon copies
• dupes
• dummies
• replications

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• originals
• prototypes
• archetypes

reserves

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of reserve

1

as in books

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

• books
• hires
• retains
• bespeaks
• contracts
• earmarks
• engages

2

as in retains

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

• retains
• keeps
• holds
• preserves
• possesses
• has
• withholds
• saves
• conserves
• protects
• hangs on to
• holds on to
• guards
• owns
• enjoys
• manages
• controls
• boasts
• rules
• treasures
• harbors
• commands
• directs
• clings (to)
• hugs
• cherishes
• detains
• bears

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• yields
• releases
• relinquishes
• surrenders
• contributes
• gives up
• drops
• gives
• abandons
• declines
• donates
• cedes
• rejects
• dumps
• hands over
• discards
• loses
• repudiates
• hands out
• spurns

3

as in dedicates

to keep or intend for a special purpose

we must reserve this cup for ceremonial use only

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dedicates
• devotes
• saves
• allocates
• gives up (to)
• earmarks
• sets apart
• sets by
• sets aside
• consecrates
• uses
• entrusts
• sanctifies
• consigns
• commits
• employs
• confides
• blesses
• bestows
• applies
• hallows

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignores
• neglects
• misuses
• misapplies

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of reserves

Noun

That money has largely disappeared and billions in central bank reserves remain frozen by the US and its allies over the Taliban’s rights record. — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

Companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic, backed by significant capital reserves, should be able to withstand periods of turbulence even if market expectations are reset. — Arjun Kharpal,kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

Washington controlled the game once both teams turned to reserves. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Avoiding a much sharper price spike over the next several months may depend in part on Beijing’s willingness to use those reserves. — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026

With deep reserves and Stanford alumni Nadia Fingall and Ashten Prechtel both available in the post, Nakase opted to give Pretchel the first shot off the bench. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

Despite a contentious meeting two weeks ago, which included boos from the crowd and concerns about shrinking cash reserves from board members, Plascencia said teamwork became the theme among the administration, union leaders and employees. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

At the same time, power companies expanded their overall fuel reserves. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026

While the defensive reserves struggled, allowing 425 total yards to Arizona, the offense looked promising despite playing only reserves at all positions. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2026

Verb

Emma Acker, who runs the meetup at Sparrow, reserves a portion of her time for clients who can’t afford her services. — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Company reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if necessary. — The Athletic, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Over the past 15 years, senior Saudi leaders, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, have repeatedly warned that should Tehran successfully develop a nuclear weapon, Riyadh reserves the right to do the same. — Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2026

Apple usually reserves the base variant of its chip series for the standard iPhone models, while the Pro models get the corresponding Pro chip. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 16 July 2026

The president’s tactic came after Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who voted against the president in the ruling, noted that Congress reserves the right to pass legislation changing the law. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2026

Wimbledon reserves a handful of tickets for same-day purchase, with some fans camping out the night before in Wimbledon Park in a bid to get their hands on a pass. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 2 July 2026

The Catholic Church reserves the priesthood for men, and women have long complained of a second-class status despite carrying out the lion’s share of the church’s work running schools, hospitals and passing the faith onto younger generations. — Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value. — AJC.com, 30 June 2026