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 Florida Legislature approved a plan that would ease financial strains on condo unit owners by extending the deadline for inspections and gives associations alternatives to relying on reserves. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025 The state comptroller would have control of the reserve and any potential buying and selling of the digital assets. Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 22 May 2025
Verb
Pour in half of the marinade, reserving the rest for later. Let everything marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. Ashia Aubourg, Outside Online, 24 May 2025 Wi-Fi 7 is also expected to offer a Restricted Target Wake Time feature that allows the router to reserve bandwidth for certain types of data transmissions. PC Magazine, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve
Noun
  • After George Floyd was killed in 2020, many police departments across the country banned or restricted the knee-on-neck restraint.
    Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 27 May 2025
  • Rickson stages both plays with elegant restraint, arranging just a few bits of furniture in front of a bare brick wall.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • The problem is especially pronounced in Arizona’s rural areas, many of which don’t have groundwater regulations, and little backup supply from rivers.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
  • Grower supply stores and landscape supply companies can be good sources for large amounts of potting mix.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • The information provided here is not legal advice and does not purport to be a substitute for advice of counsel on any specific matter.
    Jonathan Carson, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • The time allocated could not be a substitute for instructional time.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Shown here are four mission spares, including Marie Curie [foreground].
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 31 May 2025
  • Bring backups of critical items: Remember essentials such as medications or seasickness remedies, and pack spares for things that can get wet (or lost) like gloves, hats, and socks.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • The train departs from Blue Ridge, one of the best mountain towns in the South, and passengers have the option to book either the 2-hour express tour or the 4-hour extended tour, which allows time to explore McCaysville and Copperhill during a 2-hour layover.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 31 May 2025
  • Some of the biggest U.S. airlines are quietly charging solo travelers more than passengers who book as a pair, according to recent travel industry findings.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Humectants are substances that attract and retain water molecules, keeping things moist and hydrated by drawing moisture from the air or from deeper layers of the skin.
    Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025
  • Cons Vermiculite can retain too much water for plants that thrive in drier conditions.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • These individuals are dedicating themselves to not only providing an outlet for patients, but in many cases, assisting patients and their families during the process of end-of-life care.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 June 2025
  • For Memorial Day weekend this year, Meet the Press dedicated its whole hour to a special edition on children’s mental health and youth loneliness.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Such defensive discipline and intelligent street-smarts have meant that Inzaghi’s side have trailed for just 16 minutes across the whole Champions League campaign — just one per cent of their total time on the pitch.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 31 May 2025
  • Currently, the Academy is composed of 19 branches, each representing a specific discipline within the industry, with the newest Production and Technology Branch created in 2023, and the split of the animation feature and shorts in 2024.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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