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
Wall Street investors prefer Ethereum for its network effects, high liquidity reserves, and composability, unlike other blockchains that have become token islands or private walled gardens, all which fragment liquidity creating inefficiencies and driving usage costs up. Lawrence Wintermeyer, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 Starting guard Jrue Holiday (hamstring) and reserve wing Sam Hauser (ankle) each have missed three games this postseason. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 13 May 2025
Verb
Nearly a decade ago, Airbnb envisioned being more than just an app to reserve a place to stay for vacation. Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 13 May 2025 Along with the seat, which is 32 inches instead of the regular 28 inches, the premium option includes a carry-on bag, no change or cancel fees, Priority Boarding, reserved overhead bin space, a snack and nonalcoholic beverage. Ali McCadden, CNBC, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve
Noun
  • Director Maja Novakovic strikes a balance between restraint and gentle nudging, allowing the story to breathe while occasionally adding subtle touches to coax it forward.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 May 2025
  • What Happens Next Escalating tensions between India and Pakistan have prompted calls from the U.S. and world powers urging both sides to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic de-escalation.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The drinks are available for a limited time, while supplies last this summer.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Footwear, apparel and textile producers jumped into action during the Covid-19 pandemic to churn out life-saving personal protective equipment when masks and gowns were in limited supply.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Days after the Ways and Means Committee released a draft version of the tax bill, followed by a substitute amendment, questions began to fly.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • If used mindfully, AI can be part of a modern intimacy toolkit, if not leveraged as a substitute for human connection.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Being the spare to Prince George, the future heir, is a vulnerable place — one fraught with potential pitfalls that her uncle Prince Harry, who also grew up as the spare, has made all too clear.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 7 May 2025
  • There’s plenty of head room in both rows of seats and a spacious cargo compartment that offers features including a rubber mat, dog-friendly package and a neat underfloor compartment that creates space for a full-size spare — something serious off-roaders demand.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Use Calendar Metrics To Refine Your Offer What’s being booked most?
    Lovely Marshall, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • Restaurants and services used to be easily booked without prepayment or guarantee.
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Further research is required to ascertain whether the benefits are retained after long-term supplementation and the exact mechanism of action.
    Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 11 May 2025
  • This small fix would restore balance, encourage investment and ensure that patients retain their access to groundbreaking, convenient treatments.
    Julio Fuentes, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Several contestants dedicated songs to their children or partners, adding to the emotional weight of the episode.
    Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
  • By cutting $260 million, ARPA-E can dedicate its resources to funding a narrower set of high-risk, high-reward programs that could make a significant contribution to America’s energy goals.
    Jack Spencer, Boston Herald, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Controversially, the plan also included converting campus libraries into student discipline spaces.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2025
  • Moody’s Ratings recently downgraded the U.S.’s AAA rating, citing doubts about the country’s ability to maintain fiscal discipline.
    Nik Popli, Time, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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