RESERVE Synonyms: 195 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'reserve' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of reserve are detain , keep , retain , and withhold . While all these words mean "to hold in one's possession or under one's control," reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use. // reserve some of your energy for the last mile

Q: Where would 'detain' be a reasonable alternative to 'reserve'?

While the synonyms detain and reserve are close in meaning, detain suggests a delay in letting go. // detained them for questioning

Q: When could 'keep' be used to replace 'reserve'?

The meanings of keep and reserve largely overlap; however, keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control. // keep this while I'm gone

Q: When might 'retain' be a better fit than 'reserve'?

In some situations, the words retain and reserve are roughly equivalent. However, retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss. // managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

Q: When can 'withhold' be used instead of 'reserve'?

The words withhold and reserve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go. // withheld information from the authorities

reserve 1 of 2

noun

Definition of reserve

as in restraint

the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others the salesclerk showed great reserve in dealing with the unreasonable demands of the angry customer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in supply

a collection of things kept available for future use or need our fuel reserves are low

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in substitute

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

as in spare

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

reserve

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈzərv

as in to book

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

as in to retain

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

as in to dedicate

to keep or intend for a special purpose we must reserve this cup for ceremonial use only

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word reserve distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of reserve are detain, keep, retain, and withhold. While all these words mean "to hold in one's possession or under one's control," reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use.

reserve some of your energy for the last mile

Where would detain be a reasonable alternative to reserve?

While the synonyms detain and reserve are close in meaning, detain suggests a delay in letting go.

detained them for questioning

When could keep be used to replace reserve?

The meanings of keep and reserve largely overlap; however, keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control.

keep this while I'm gone

When might retain be a better fit than reserve?

In some situations, the words retain and reserve are roughly equivalent. However, retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.

managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

When can withhold be used instead of reserve?

The words withhold and reserve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.

withheld information from the authorities

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of reserve

Noun

The old power plants lack the reserve capacity to absorb glitches and breakdowns, which regularly cascade into the collapse of the entire grid or significant portions of it. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026 Housed in a 39mm yellow gold case, each watch is powered by Corum’s CO082 automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Verb

While some lounges and brand activations are open to all customers or even all attendees at an event, many of these spaces are exclusively reserved for premium cardholders. — Ryan Baker, CNBC, 3 July 2026 The seventh planet feels like something reserved for people with huge telescopes, expensive eyepieces and incredibly lucky atmospheric seeing. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reserve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve

Noun

Under an existing state appropriations restraint, also known as the Gann Limit, lawmakers cannot spend more than an amount determined by a formula that takes annual tax proceeds, changes to the population and cost of living into consideration.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
For 70 minutes, Paraguay had played with corseted restraint, frustrating France with organisation, concentration and no little gamesmanship.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

Any monetization of the strait would be a dramatic change from the situation before the war, when commercial ships carrying 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas supply transited the waterway without fees.

— Abigail Williams, NBC news, 3 July 2026
The facility’s hot water supply was measured below proper hot water supply.

— Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 3, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of supply

Noun

Previously, another wrist joint was replaced and both of the arm's end effectors were swapped out for spares.

— Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 30 June 2026
Companies such as Modern Spare and EZ Spare Wheel offer kits with a temporary spare, jack, lug wrench, and carrying case.

— John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2026

Definition of spare

Verb

Michael Butler, 44, was arrested on July 1 and booked into the Harris County Jail in connection with the death of Martha Avila, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

— Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
The driver of the fleeing vehicle was booked into the Wyandotte County Detention Center, according to the jail’s inmate listing.

— Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026

Definition of book

Verb

The Heat began Tuesday by retaining three-point shooting forward Simone Fontecchio in free agency, and then continued to address its need for outside shooting when league-wide free agent negotiations were permitted to begin Tuesday night.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Buildings with no air conditioning will heat up and retain the heat.

— Bill Kelly, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of retain

Verb

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, the National World War I Museum and Memorial is celebrating a milestone of its own — 100 years since President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the signature limestone tower memorial in the heart of Kansas City.

— Matthew Kelly July 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Then dedicate time to defining your internal stakeholders and regularly engaging with them on the work taking place.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of dedicate

Noun

Last fall, Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island became the first in the country to launch an in person, three-year bachelor’s degree in specific disciplines.

— Editorial, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026
In Aries, the taskmaster planet brings maturity and discipline to a Fire sign associated with independence, impulse and passion.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Definition of discipline

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reserved

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Style

“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of reserve

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