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

These reserves are designed to bridge temporary disruptions, not replace sustained production losses. — Richard Haass, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2026

Coach Cheryl Reeve turned to her reserves for an extended run in the third quarter, where Minnesota finally found a rhythm and cut the lead back to single digits. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

The measure will strengthen the state’s reserves by forcing lawmakers to set aside more money each year. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026

In Europe, however, most of the strategic reserves are kept in refined fuel form—and not crude oil—although their reserves are not nearly as large. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026

Blanch said Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development strategic reserves have already fallen substantially and physical crude is commanding large premiums over the benchmark futures. — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

Their nights are spent with bottles of wine, pop music, gallows humor, anything to replenish their reserves. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

The water authority has so far avoided dipping into drought reserves thanks to a network of upstream reservoirs, but officials have acknowledged conditions are trending in the wrong direction as winters grow warmer and snowmelt arrives earlier. — Piper Heath, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Bernal was the third of the four to make his debut, at 17, after making 31 appearances for Barca’s reserves. — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Verb

But what is the point of trying to enlarge our sympathies if a writer reserves such gestures for ethically perfect people? — Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

An all-black rendition of the Jimmy Butler 4 then reserves it only for the tongue. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026

The airline also reserves the right to boot passengers who flout the policy and even to ban them from flying the friendly skies. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

If that happens, the team reserves the right to pivot to Sanders. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Samsung also reserves several of its best Galaxy Watch features for first-party phones, while the Apple Watch only works with iPhones. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026

The Sponsor reserves the right to verify and confirm each Entrant's compliance with eligibility requirements. — August 16, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026

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