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

Relevance

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

What's interesting, this reserve has only been tapped ONCE, and that was after Hurricane Sandy. — Cooper Katz McKim, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026 To prepare for even worse conditions this winter, Kyiv has been building up gas reserves. — Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026

Verb

His youthful face belies his ability to play in one of the most demanding positions on the field, defensive midfield, a spot usually reserved for senior professionals who’ve enjoyed decades of experience. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 More greyscale treatments are then used on the Air Max Plus and Air Max 95, which both reserve yellow for the Swooshes, other branding elements, Air Max units and small portions of the outsole. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reserve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve

Noun

Kitchen also had to develop a little more restraint — something that doesn't always come naturally in a sport where riders are constantly pushing the limits of speed and control.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Sullivan faces two counts of first-degree kidnapping and a single count each of first-degree assault, first-degree unlawful restraint and intentional cruelty to persons.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

The Patriot ammunition Ukraine needs is in short supply and is also required elsewhere in the world, Rubio said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
Radar systems detect incoming threats and supply information that helps defensive missiles engage their targets.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of supply

Noun

At times, Zukenee’s chameleonic range and ironic language can feel like a shrewd substitute for vulnerability.

— Narsimha Gour Chintaluri, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
America can point to tankers still transiting Hormuz, but shipping that depends on costly military protection and remains under threat is a poor substitute for normal trade.

— Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of substitute

Noun

The compact 65 percent layout includes just the primary letters and numbers, plus arrow keys and few spares for the delete, page up, page down, and end keys.

— Brad Bourque, The Verge, 20 Oct. 2026
The agreement also includes spares and sustainment support through 2032, extending beyond the initial delivery of the training systems.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of spare

Verb

That’s likely why passengers are booking holiday travel earlier this year than in the past, said Hayley Berg, lead economist at travel site Hopper.

— Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
Sometime later, Bryski was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail on one count of murder, according to the statement.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of book

Verb

Harry dedicates this to his wife Shelby (also a dancer and actress), who absolutely should be on DWTS next season, but Jenna also incorporates Harry’s parents and his daughter into the routine.

— Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
The Duo’s inner screen is best used when dedicating the whole thing to a single app like Netflix.

— Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of dedicate

Noun

And his prescription is tighter discipline — a major theme of the four day party meeting.

— Andy Browne, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Law enforcement and schools districts continually urge parents to warn their children of the consequences of making false or written threats, including facing a felony charge and school discipline.

— Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of discipline

Browse Nearby Words

reservations

reserve

reserved

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of reserve

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes