reserve 1 of 2

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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

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verb

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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

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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 project is the latest in a string of upgrades at the reserve as the Torrey Pines Conservancy marks its 75th year. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025 No such activity has been linked to World Liberty, which holds $2.1 billion in government money market funds, according to a recent attestation of its reserves. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 July 2025
Verb
While the process won't fully roll out until next year, travelers will be able to start booking tickets and reserving seats for after the January launch starting July 29. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2025 This event avoids a long line, with those wanting to attend going up to Google Play crew members, scanning a QR code, and reserving a spot online. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for reserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve
Noun
  • In the second photo, the animals are freed of their restraints — one of the pets is crawling about the bin while the other stays in its shell.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 24 July 2025
  • Unlike the Washington consensus, which mandated fiscal austerity and economic restraint, Silicon Valley’s calls for unprecedented investment and acceleration.
    Arafat Kabir, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • These solutions enabled companies to reduce lead times, decrease working capital requirements, and improve uptime by ensuring the availability of supply for critical parts. 2024: Strategic Necessity Achieved 2024 marked the inflection point at which AI became integral to supply chain resilience.
    Paul J. Noble, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Americans still demand beef, though, so low supply and high demand is causing prices to surge.
    Alana Semuels, Time, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Vought left the meeting saying there would be a substitute amendment that would eliminate $400 million in cuts to an AIDS prevention program, one of the main concerns of Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.
    July 16, CBS News, 16 July 2025
  • The collard greens were a substitute food for that day and not posted on the day’s menu, according to health department documents.
    Julia Ainsley, NBC news, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Neither of these processes is perfect, and so sometimes an atom gets lost and needs to be replaced with one from a reservoir of spares.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 20 June 2025
  • Shown here are four mission spares, including Marie Curie [foreground].
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • Gately had testified as part of the grand jury that led to Measures’ indictment after he had been booked on a national commercial and initially received payment and residuals from it, but then did not receive the $6,500 from KMR when the commercial was renewed for a third time.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
  • Also booked for the boxing card is a junior welterweight scrap between Isaac Cruz vs. Angel Fierro.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Mulching can help the plant’s shallow roots retain moisture.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 July 2025
  • However, Congress can still review all legislation passed by the D.C. Council and retains authority over the district's budget.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Whitmer, for her part, wants the chance to dedicate more resources for CVI.
    Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
  • Around the world, many airports already have dedicated screening lanes for families, including Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, Istanbul Airport (IST), and Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Share Your Commitments With Others Share your commitments to drive discipline.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • But earth sign parents can also lean toward being stubborn and strict, which may cause friction during a stand off or while navigating discipline or tough conversations.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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