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
McIver was a quality reserve last season and is playing with more confidence in camp. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2025 Some solid bench play, in contrast with only two Nuggets reserves scoring. Anthony Slater, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
In most cases, they are best reserved for serious athletes, older adults, and people who cannot consume enough protein through food. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025 The resort also offers a children’s program, Paintbox, for children ages 5 to 12, and guests can reserve a complimentary UPPAbaby Remi™ Playard or Ridge® Jogging Stroller through the Stay & Stroll Program. Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve
Noun
  • The holding was manifestly correct, but the dicta may be equally important in counseling greater restraint on both sides.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025
  • After three consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Final from 2020-22, the combination of age and salary-cap restraints had diminished the Tampa Bay roster.
    John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • More recently, though, in early April, a USDA report said egg supplies are on the rise, which could be a bright point for consumers still dealing with inflation.
    Deanna Marie Lowe, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The pause is temporary, and tariffs on Chinese goods—which include categories that affect the food supply—are still high.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After watching Lemina flounder as a substitute in the 3-0 home loss against Nottingham Forest on January 6 — his first appearance for the new coach after injury — Pereira removed him from his first-team plans.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Jonathan Rodriguez made his season debut for the Timbers as a second-half substitute.
    Anne M. Peterson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • There's also a stock of parts and spares, and a follow-up list of inventory in third-party warehouses that has had its value cut by 65% for the purpose of liquidation.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Because their visitors were man-for-man, whoever pressed Ederson would leave a player spare.
    Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • According to Sumner County Sheriff’s Office website, he was booked the same day as the hearing.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Jail records show he was booked back in the Fulton County Jail in June 2024.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As fans returned, WrestleMania 37 in 2021 Night 1 started with a WWE Championship match won by Bobby Lashley, while WrestleMania 38 in 2022 Night 1 opened with The Usos retaining their SmackDown Tag Team Titles.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Last week, the Trump administration demanded Harvard change multiple policies — including those regarding protesting and diversity, equity and inclusion programs — in order to retain its federal funding.
    Tara Suter, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This poignant admission from a performer who has dedicated a significant portion of his life to professional wrestling highlights the demanding nature of the business and the inevitable impact of time on even the most resilient athletes.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Colby College in Maine has dedicated a website to the church describing the various scenes and the 13 artists featured in the building.
    Ashley J. DiMella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In East Germany, Czechoslovakia and Poland, ministries dictated curricula, Marxism-Leninism became mandatory across disciplines, and admissions were reengineered to favor students from loyalist backgrounds.
    Iveta Silova, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In 2016, a study published in the International Journal of Educational Management found that school uniforms encourage better listening and discipline in the classroom.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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