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

The reserves were drawn down over 50% during the Biden administration, to manage the fallout from spiking gasoline prices in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. — George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Nigerian energy retailers called for the state to create local strategic reserves of petrol and other fuels to buffer from supply shocks in the global oil market. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 31 July 2026

Even though China is transitioning more quickly toward electric vehicles, China has drawn substantially from its world-leading strategic reserves and cut back on fuel exports. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Government loans and grants are expected to cover much of the project, while the company plans to fund the remaining investment from its existing cash reserves. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026

As a result, Putin was quickly running out of cash, and the value of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund and rainy day reserves was plummeting. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 30 July 2026

Despite Venezuela’s petroleum-rich reserves, its citizens have endured extreme poverty, food insecurity and political instability for decades. — Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

Once strategic reserves begin to run low oil prices will need to adjust higher if current disruptions continue. — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 23 July 2026

Verb

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

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