1
as in deposits
a collection of things kept available for future use or need
our fuel reserves are low
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dedicates
to keep or intend for a special purpose
we must reserve this cup for ceremonial use only
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of reserves
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
There are wildlife reserves, once beloved by Hollywood stars like John Wayne and Gregory Peck, where new lodges have begun opening up.
—Lisa Grainger, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026
Promoter reserves the right not to provide any awards (or fewer than the quantity of awards identified above) if, in its sole discretion, there are not a sufficient number of eligible and qualified Submissions received.
—Time, 10 Feb. 2026
Last month, the government launched a plan to monetize the nation’s gas reserves, which are the largest in Africa.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Central banks have been adding to gold reserves at elevated levels, treating it as a core store of value rather than a short-term trade.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
The city has leaned on its rainy-day reserves and discretionary funds to cover the deficit for the current budget cycle.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 7 Feb. 2026
UConn’s reserves combined for just six points and three turnovers.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026
White has apparently perfected his player-retainment speech, since several Texas reserves — pitcher Citlaly Gutierrez and utility Kaydee Bennett come to mind — would likely step into prominent roles at other programs.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
Time, 10 Feb. 2026
But this sport reserves its greatest rewards for the exceptional while demanding so much that exceptional seems the only acceptable payoff.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.
—AJC.com, 26 Jan. 2026
In fact, the best system may be to have a modest fee, of $5 to $10, that reserves the stall and covers the hotel’s cost of electricity.
—Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The construct of the NFL typically reserves those picks for the teams still searching for the quarterback, not those who have already figured it out.
—Sam McDowell 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
That the one who removes you from the international feast is the one who generously reserves your seat at the table.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Every institution reserves the right to revoke admission for misconduct, including actions that occur after the acceptance date.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 28 Dec. 2025
Station reserves the right to substitute prize of comparable value.
—Cbs La Staff, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025
Noun
Oceans are expected to hold vast reserves of 230 billion tons.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
There are wildlife reserves, once beloved by Hollywood stars like John Wayne and Gregory Peck, where new lodges have begun opening up.
—Lisa Grainger, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026
Promoter reserves the right not to provide any awards (or fewer than the quantity of awards identified above) if, in its sole discretion, there are not a sufficient number of eligible and qualified Submissions received.
—Time, 10 Feb. 2026
Last month, the government launched a plan to monetize the nation’s gas reserves, which are the largest in Africa.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Central banks have been adding to gold reserves at elevated levels, treating it as a core store of value rather than a short-term trade.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
The city has leaned on its rainy-day reserves and discretionary funds to cover the deficit for the current budget cycle.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 7 Feb. 2026
UConn’s reserves combined for just six points and three turnovers.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026
White has apparently perfected his player-retainment speech, since several Texas reserves — pitcher Citlaly Gutierrez and utility Kaydee Bennett come to mind — would likely step into prominent roles at other programs.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
Promoter reserves the right to verify eligibility and to adjudicate on any dispute at any time.
—Time, 10 Feb. 2026
But this sport reserves its greatest rewards for the exceptional while demanding so much that exceptional seems the only acceptable payoff.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.
—AJC.com, 26 Jan. 2026
In fact, the best system may be to have a modest fee, of $5 to $10, that reserves the stall and covers the hotel’s cost of electricity.
—Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The construct of the NFL typically reserves those picks for the teams still searching for the quarterback, not those who have already figured it out.
—Sam McDowell 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2026
That the one who removes you from the international feast is the one who generously reserves your seat at the table.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Every institution reserves the right to revoke admission for misconduct, including actions that occur after the acceptance date.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 28 Dec. 2025
Station reserves the right to substitute prize of comparable value.
—Cbs La Staff, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserves
Noun
-
Vinegar is an acid, which dissolves the mineral deposits left behind by hard water, making the stains easier to wipe away without damaging the refrigerator’s surface, says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO at AspenClean.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Statements from October 2024 through April 2025 list the three resident deposits.—
Erik S. Hanley,
jsonline.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
As Chelsea’s staff and substitutes spilled onto the pitch to shake hands and celebrate their 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Cole Palmer seemed distracted — turning around, clearly looking for something.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
-
If not, the market would be expanded to include nearby substitutes, with the test repeated until a profitable price hike is achieved.—
Hal Singer,
Fortune,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That means having standard spares available and maintenance procedures drawn up and tested.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
17 Jan. 2026
-
Precision is necessary to pick up spares.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Visit Anaheim is a not-for-profit that books the Anaheim Convention Center and markets the city.—
Victoria Le,
Oc Register,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Bowie House Angela gets Ainsley out of her dorm and books her a suite for the week at the upscale Bowie House in Fort Worth.—
Uwa Ede-Osifo,
Dallas Morning News,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Under his meticulous care, the gleaming red sports car has been souped up to generate 400-horsepower turbo performance, but retains much of the original features and feel.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
-
This Breitling Lady Premier Automatic in 36 mm contains Breitling’s in-house automatic caliber 10 with a 42-hour power reserve, but retains a feminine sensibility, with a colorful dial and dusting of diamonds on the lugs and bezel.—
Carol Besler,
Robb Report,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Santa Ana also imposes a local retail tax on cannabis, and dedicates that revenue to youth and prevention programs.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Delightfully directed by former Berkeley Rep artistic director Tony Taccone, Ming-Trent proves a joyous performer who dedicates his play to balancing out every great element for an effective solo show.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Minute Maid’s frozen juices — including several varieties of orange juice, lemonade and limeade — will be discontinued by April, with inventory available while supplies last, Coca-Cola said.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The sprint to build these sprawling facilities, which hold racks of humming servers powered by expensive processors, has touched off an unprecedented level of borrowing, pinched energy supplies and brought developers into conflict with communities worried about rising power and water costs.—
Bloomberg Wire,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The results point to a future where things like knee braces, exoskeletons, or even joint replacements could be tailored to an individual’s exact joint motion.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
-
As 2026 approaches, more executives are beginning to explore similar forms of digital assistance, not as replacements for human judgment, but as extensions of it.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reserves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserves. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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