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
His arrival cost the club £35m ($44m), but with reserve keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos going the other way for £20m, the net fee of £15m represented incredible value. Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025 The solar panel then stores the power in a rechargeable battery, which has a reserve of up to two years. Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
Ho also noted that the DOJ is reserving the right to indict Adams again on these charges in the future. Brian Mann, NPR, 19 Feb. 2025 Spa and the fitness center are also reserved for guests 18 and up, along with the Serenity Bay area at its Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point destinations in the Bahamas. Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve
Noun
  • It was struck down by the courts, which said such rules were an unfair restraint on the ability of athletes to capitalize on their NIL rights.
    Seth Emerson, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
  • But when taken together, the quotes suggest a belief there are few practical or legal restraints on a president.
    Axios, Axios, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Dittmann had gotten stuck in the same area in January and had to toss his bag, thinking all the supplies had gone to waste.
    Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Egg prices are sky high as the bird flu crisis ravages the nation's supply of eggs.
    Carly Mallenbaum, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • His superior record as a substitute indicates that, but his finish against Spurs and his assist against Leicester added further weight to the belief.
    Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Bentaleb, who was told his career might be over after collapsing in June, came on as a substitute in the 76th minute of the Ligue 1 game and scored within four minutes of being on the pitch.
    Ben Church, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Because their visitors were man-for-man, whoever pressed Ederson would leave a player spare.
    Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Most former Grand Prix bikes that reach auction have a racing provenance, but this one is an absolute unicorn – a grand prix racing bike untouched from new, with spares.
    Mike Hanlon, New Atlas, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • When the grind gets too much, the flight gets booked.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Mariah Carey has booked a massive summer 2025 gig in the U.K. at Royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on August 15.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • This combined with a stretching of the heart muscle that often happens when someone with kidney disease retains too much water, can lead to heart failure.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Unlike Chase, Aykroyd worked hard to retain Carter’s affectations and appearance, while also adding a slyness that implied a deeper calculation.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The following day, at Red Rock Resort, Summit attendees dedicated eight hours to crafting actionable strategies for advancing arts education, funding and policy, highlighting the arts’ essential role in U.S. economic growth and workforce development.
    Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2025
  • According to his obituary, Rose was a real estate developer and philanthropist who dedicated much of his life to improving his hometown of New York City.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Mendez is a strategic community builder, storyteller, and connector with 5 years of experience spanning marketing, editorial, and corporate disciplines.
    Ayisha Miracle Mendez, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Her 37 wins in other disciplines would tie with Austrian great Marlies Schild not much further down the list.
    Zack Pierce, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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