1
as in booking
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
Relevance
2
as in retaining
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 dedicating
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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Recent Examples of reserving
The guidelines suggest lower urgency and intensity of care for preclinical obesity, reserving pharmacologic and surgical interventions for select cases.
—
Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
The neighborhood of Santa Catalina, a short walk from the old town of Palma, hosts many of the city’s most interesting tapas bars (many recommend reserving ahead).
—Emilio Parra Doiztua, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Consider reserving specific clothing for lounging around with your pets.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta water.
—Ashia Aubourg, Outside, 10 Oct. 2025
As the momentum for retail allocation in alternatives builds, some have cautioned that managers will funnel weaker deals toward individual investors, while reserving better assets for institutional investors.
—Leslie Picker, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2025
Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025
These venues, too, have become destinations unto themselves, with locals often reserving a table to celebrate special occasions with friends and family.
—Yukari Sakamoto, AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025
Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water.
—Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2025
Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
The neighborhood of Santa Catalina, a short walk from the old town of Palma, hosts many of the city’s most interesting tapas bars (many recommend reserving ahead).
—Emilio Parra Doiztua, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Consider reserving specific clothing for lounging around with your pets.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta water.
—Ashia Aubourg, Outside, 10 Oct. 2025
As the momentum for retail allocation in alternatives builds, some have cautioned that managers will funnel weaker deals toward individual investors, while reserving better assets for institutional investors.
—Leslie Picker, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2025
Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025
These venues, too, have become destinations unto themselves, with locals often reserving a table to celebrate special occasions with friends and family.
—Yukari Sakamoto, AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025
Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water.
—Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserving
Verb
-
Ratajkowski began booking more modeling gigs and was named Esquire's Woman of the Year in 2013.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
18 Oct. 2025
-
While Dana White wasn't a fan of El Matador's impromptu staredown with streaking Scouser Paddy Pimblett following his UFC 317 win, all signs pointed to the UFC likely booking Topuria a fight with The Baddy or Justin Gaethje.—
Evan Bell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
There have also been difficulties for the front three in holding the ball up or retaining possession.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
-
The indictment charges Bolton with eight counts of transmitting national defense information and 10 counts of unlawfully retaining such information.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Designing, assembling, and programming these bots requires significant time and effort, with students and hobbyists dedicating much of their summer and the full competition season to perfecting their creations.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Oct. 2025
-
This could be as simple as tackling smaller tasks throughout the week or dedicating specific days to different areas.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The union is striking for higher wages and benefits and hiring more employees to fill staffing shortages.—
Pat Maio,
Oc Register,
19 Oct. 2025
-
And when eight teams are in the process of hiring a manager, there are only so many qualified candidates to go around.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But while prosecutors and law enforcement continue doing the hard work of keeping Orange County safe, the County CEO appears intent on undermining that success.—
Todd Spitzer,
Oc Register,
19 Oct. 2025
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The rain was steady, as was the traffic, but everyone was also keeping an eye out for a junkie on a bender.—
Joe Dwinell,
Boston Herald,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Michaels is devoting about 25% of space in its stores to this new venture while also launching a party concept.—
Daniel Wine,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Already, boards are devoting more time and attention to discussing the use of AI within their organizations, including more than 62% of directors who reported participating in full-board discussions about AI policies for their companies.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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One of his innovations in the new space is Fresh Out of the Box, a shelf holding books that are newly unboxed without anyone knowing the contents.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
20 Oct. 2025
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In a struggle that eventually leads to Jayson holding Maeve hostage outside, Grasso musters strength and shoots Jayson in the head, in a small act of vengeance for Lizzie.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Compression packing cubes, in particular, are critical for saving space and flattening clothes as much as possible.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has laid out his plan for saving democracy.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reserving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserving. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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