RESERVED Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'reserved' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of reserved are reticent , secretive , silent , and taciturn . While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange. // greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

Q: When could 'reticent' be used to replace 'reserved'?

While the synonyms reticent and reserved are close in meaning, reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs. // was reticent about his plans

Q: When would 'secretive' be a good substitute for 'reserved'?

In some situations, the words secretive and reserved are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'silent' instead of 'reserved'?

The meanings of silent and reserved largely overlap; however, silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed. // the strong, silent type

Q: Where would 'taciturn' be a reasonable alternative to 'reserved'?

While in some cases nearly identical to reserved , taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability. // taciturn villagers

reserved 1 of 2

adjective

ri-ˈzərvd

Definition of reserved next

as in silent

tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination) a reserved and shy person who was wrongly thought to be stuck-up until someone finally got into a conversation with her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reserved

2 of 2

verb

past tense of reserve

as in booked

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

as in retained

to continue to have in one's possession or power I'm reserving the right to work by myself if you don't do your share of the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dedicated

to keep or intend for a special purpose we must reserve this cup for ceremonial use only

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word reserved distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of reserved are reticent, secretive, silent, and taciturn. While all these words mean "showing restraint in speaking," reserved implies reticence and suggests the restraining influence of caution or formality in checking easy informal conversational exchange.

greetings were brief, formal, and reserved

When could reticent be used to replace reserved?

While the synonyms reticent and reserved are close in meaning, reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one's own affairs.

was reticent about his plans

When would secretive be a good substitute for reserved?

In some situations, the words secretive and reserved are roughly equivalent. However, 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

When is it sensible to use silent instead of reserved?

The meanings of silent and reserved largely overlap; however, silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed.

the strong, silent type

Where would taciturn be a reasonable alternative to reserved?

While in some cases nearly identical to reserved, taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

taciturn villagers

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of reserved

Adjective

Observers also noted contrasts in the reserved expressions of Democratic leaders, sparking curiosity at dynamics at play. —

Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 Pour the reserved ½ cup of pasta water into the pot and sauté the veggies for another minute or two. —

Ashia Aubourg, Outside Online, 23 Dec. 2024

Verb

And there were also a couple dozen members of the public seated to witness the court proceedings and they were seated in the back of the courtroom in a couple of rows that are reserved for members of the public. —

Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025 This type of funeral is typically reserved for line-of-duty deaths, according to the National Volunteer Fire Council. —

Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reserved

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserved

Adjective

In the Broadway musical Sunset Boulevard silent screen star Norma Desmond returns to the Paramount lot after twenty years living under the radar in her crumbling mansion.

— Jeryl Brunner, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
The skies in Gaza went silent for the first time in months with no Israeli airstrikes.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 20 Jan. 2025