reserved

adjective

re·​served ri-ˈzərvd 

1

: restrained in words and actions

2

: kept or set apart or aside for future or special use

reservedly

ri-ˈzər-vəd-lē 

adverb

reservedness

ri-ˈzər-vəd-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• closemouthed
• dumb
• laconic
• reticent
• silent
• taciturn
• tight-lipped
• uncommunicative

Choose the Right Synonym for reserved

silent, taciturn, reticent, reserved, secretive mean showing restraint in speaking.

silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed.

the strong, silent type

taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

taciturn villagers

reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs.

was reticent about his plans

reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange.

greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

secretive, too, implies reticence but usually carries a suggestion of deviousness and lack of frankness or of an often ostentatious will to conceal.

the secretive research and development division

Examples of reserved in a Sentence

She is a very reserved young woman.

The front row is reserved for faculty.

Recent Examples on the Web

Quite the change in scenery, the stage couldn't be more picturesque: a reserved seat in the Tribuna Coperta overlooking the Distinti on the far side of the stadium, framed by a sea of mountains and blue sky. —David Ferrini, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Abigail Williams, on the other hand, was quiet and reserved and wouldn't go out of her way to talk to most people, her mother, Anna Williams, testified. —Jordan Smith, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Oct. 2024

Slow-to-warm temperament Slow-to-warm children are more reserved, observant, and calm. —Alex Vance, Parents, 15 Oct. 2024

The airline said on Thursday that its passengers will be able to book a reserved seat in late 2025 and those seats will start to become available on flights in early 2026. —Chris Isidore, CNN, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reserved

• reserved power

Kids Definition

reserved

adjective

re·​served ri-ˈzərvd 

1

: cautious in words and actions

a reserved young man

2

: kept or set apart or aside for future or special use

a reserved table

reservedly

-ˈzər-vəd-lē 

adverb

reservedness

-ˈzər-vəd-nəs

noun