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

Kurtz got the starting nod after earning the most votes in a players’ ballot to decide the game’s reserves. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026

Now lawmakers are asking voters to overhaul the state’s financial reserves to capture more of any future windfall. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

The natural-gas reserves that Europe typically builds up in anticipation of winter are now very low. — Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026

The district’s financial reserves are being rapidly spent down, the report stated. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Angel Reese and Dream guards Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray are among those voted as reserves by the league’s 15 head coaches. — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 8 July 2026

Thai fishermen face soaring diesel prices, ironically above vast, undeveloped natural gas and oil reserves in the Gulf of Thailand. — Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

After two rounds of fan voting and player selections, the starting lineups, pitchers, and reserves have all been chosen. — Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 7 July 2026

When the Great Recession struck California a half-decade later, unemployment insurance reserves were quickly exhausted and ever since the program has survived on loans from the federal government. — Dan Walters, Oc Register, 7 July 2026

Verb

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

Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify a potential winner based on the results of such background check if Sponsor determines in its sole discretion that selecting such potential finalist might reflect negatively on the Sponsor. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026

Trump had added his own name to the facade in December, over loud protests and in spite of lawsuits filed to stop him, and in spite of the law, which reserves such powers for Congress. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 16 June 2026

An unusual sight for someone who generally reserves outward emotion only for special moments. — Will Sammon, New York Times, 13 June 2026

But the biopic reserves its most pivotal role for Michael's former entertainment lawyer, John Branca, who also happens to be the co-executor of Jackson's estate and a co-producer of the film. — Rodney Carmichael, NPR, 3 June 2026