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
Strengthen Your Cash Flow And Liquidity Position Strengthening the cash flow and liquidity position involves cutting unnecessary expenses, diversifying revenue streams, improving your reserve of accessible cash and renegotiating with partners, suppliers, vendors and lenders. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 Indonesia sits on vast reserves of natural resources, including nickel, used to make batteries for electric vehicles. Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
For an out-of-the-box couples experience, reserve a private room with a two-person beer soaking tub at Beer Spa Orlando. Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025 Mbappe’s name had been the last to ring out over the Santiago Bernabeu’s loudspeakers, a place the club had usually reserved for Vinicius Jr in recent times. Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reserve 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserve
Noun
  • The Department of Education has said in its restraint and seclusion resource document there is no evidence restraint and seclusion reduce problem behaviors.
    Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The tether, or rope, is a restraint tool, according to the report.
    Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly made monetary donations to relief efforts, and donated clothing, children's items and other supplies.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Items including socks, body wipes, no-rinse body and hair wash and adult incontinence supplies can be dropped off at 5685 La Jolla Blvd.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • But these posts aren’t a substitute for actual community and support.
    Maytal Eyal, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Bao and Broth The OG Tofu Bun: Crispy Tofu is a great substitute for the menu’s 5-spice Pork Belly Bun.
    Sunny Hubler, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • That the services will occur on Mr. Biden’s watch during his final days in office spares at least some awkward moments and decisions, since he and not Mr. Trump will be the sitting president at the time of the service.
    Peter Baker, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Carry a basic tool kit with useful spares and don't be shy about getting your hands dirty!
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • She is also booked for Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee this June.
    William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 19 Jan. 2025
  • But by this week, they still hadn’t been booked to travel.
    Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In 2025, consumers expect and demand more from their favorite brands, and companies will have to rethink their strategies to align with the former’s expectations to retain loyalty and boost business.
    Aman Gupta, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Cable news channels have largely struggled to retain viewership as audiences turn toward streaming services and social media.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Since then, Project Pat has dedicated his time to spreading the word of God in prisons and founded the non-profit Go Foundation, which focuses on prison ministry.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Oracle will dedicate its forthcoming data center in Abilene, Texas — which is initially expected to draw 1.2 gigawatts, or enough electricity to power Austin, according to The Information — to Stargate.
    Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • His biggest flaws, like gap discipline, can be coached up.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Saturn, on the other hand, brings the energy of discipline, structure and accountability to the mystical realm of Pisces.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near reserve

Cite this Entry

“Reserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserve. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reserve

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