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
While it's left some passengers making backup plans and reserving rental cars, the flights canceled Friday represented just a small portion of overall flights nationwide.
—
Josh Funk, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2025
The Starlink contract was intended to serve 15,000 underserved homes and businesses by covering the cost of dish hardware, installation fees for eligible residents, and reserving network capacity.
—PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2025
The denial means that the chapter will not have access to school resources, including reserving space for campus events.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The report doesn’t urge Democrats to move fully to the right, reserving vocal praise for several progressive stars in the party with a more direct appeal to economic opportunity and lower cost of living.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Median net worth may be up in the long-term, as evidenced by buoyant consumer spending (and even some splurging), but shoppers are currently taking on more debt, and parking their real money in their homes and 401 (k) accounts while reserving cash flow for necessities like food and utilities.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 23 Oct. 2025
Sprinkle with the salt, pepper and the fresh herbs, reserving some for garnish.
—Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Oct. 2025
Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, reserving drippings in pot.
—Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2025
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
Josh Funk, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2025
The Starlink contract was intended to serve 15,000 underserved homes and businesses by covering the cost of dish hardware, installation fees for eligible residents, and reserving network capacity.
—PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2025
The denial means that the chapter will not have access to school resources, including reserving space for campus events.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The report doesn’t urge Democrats to move fully to the right, reserving vocal praise for several progressive stars in the party with a more direct appeal to economic opportunity and lower cost of living.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Median net worth may be up in the long-term, as evidenced by buoyant consumer spending (and even some splurging), but shoppers are currently taking on more debt, and parking their real money in their homes and 401 (k) accounts while reserving cash flow for necessities like food and utilities.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 23 Oct. 2025
Sprinkle with the salt, pepper and the fresh herbs, reserving some for garnish.
—Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Oct. 2025
Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, reserving drippings in pot.
—Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserving
Verb
-
Flyers should try to mitigate any headaches from delays and cancellations by avoiding booking flights with layovers, the non-profit US Public Interest Research Group says, and opt to make reservations directly with the airline rather than a third-party website.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
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Economist Hayley Berg from the travel booking company Hopper says travelers should be checking days in advance – not just the night before.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The signature lumber is low-maintenance and resists staining, fading, and retaining moisture — even in coastal and harsh climates.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The contemporary hull is designed to maximize openness while retaining a close connection with water.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Perhaps Americans currently in their 20s are not as keen on working 9-to-5 at their jobs, but with that extra time outside the office, many are dedicating themselves to running marathons.—
Lev Akabas,
Sportico.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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Faced with a highly dynamic and competitive market, many CEOs are dedicating more time to thinking about, setting and executing strategy.—
Sarah Abbott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Since 2022, numerous campuses have added new safety features – such as installing more cameras on campus and hiring additional police officers – while also working to strengthen their relationships with federal and local law enforcement, according to Inside Higher Ed.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The defense lawyer had long since moved on from the Rideout case to defend other clients, including one accused of hiring someone to kill his former wife.—
Sarah Weinman,
Rolling Stone,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Bure is keeping her faith — and her Christmas crown — shining bright.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Martin legitimately pinned the Saints’ offense on almost every drive in the first half, keeping the game close, even with New Orleans leading at halftime.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The city is devoting 12 inspectors to the effort — six teams of two.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Nov. 2025
-
As a working mother, Meghan has been candid about running her business while also devoting plenty of time to her kiddos.—
Rachel McRady,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Jeff Bezos holding the device high.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
10 Nov. 2025
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This loss had to be especially tough for the Jayhawks, considering a controversial holding call on KU changed the momentum of the game.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Ten-year-olds are saving their allowances for $70 moisturizers and $90 serums, mimicking influencer routines meant for adults.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Cincinnati fire personnel attempted life-saving measures, but Spruill was determined to have died at the scene.—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reserving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserving. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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