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
1
2
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
3
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
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 reserved
Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
Drain pasta and return to pot along with reserved water.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 22 Dec. 2025
Kevin Krause, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
That score is reserved for unsweetened, steel-cut or rolled oats.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reserved
Adjective
When the skies opened up, a double rainbow appeared — and one arc ended on Mary's reserved chair.
—Verb
Polls show that most Americans believe that lengthy prison terms, which are costly to taxpayers, should be reserved for violent and hardened repeat offenders.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserved
Adjective
-
As Jaclyn and Kate wax poetic about a dream vacation that never happened, Laurie’s weary, silent glances seem to tee up an explosive confrontation.—
-
Tisdale refused to stay silent, and texted the group after being left behind on another plan.—
Verb
-
McKee was booked at the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office in Illinois just before noon on Saturday, records show, and is charged with two counts of murder in Ohio.—
-
The three suspects were booked into juvenile hall for assault with a firearm, participating in a criminal street gang, gang enhancement and unlawful assembly for the purpose of committing a violent act.—
Verb
-
America’s public health report card is in, and New Hampshire has retained its crown as the country’s healthiest state.—
-
Dubai retained its clear lead among Gulf real estate markets last year, with buyers spending 541 billion dirhams ($147 billion) on residential property in the emirate in 2025, some 27% more than the year before.—
Verb
-
This lightweight gym tote has dedicated compartments for tumblers, yoga mats, and valuables.—
-
Bass' statement said that LA's Bureau of Street Services dedicated additional resources towards the repairs, which included personnel who would be working longer hours to make the streets safer.—
Adjective
-
Flanagan stars as Betty, a proud but emotionally restrained mother struggling with her daughter’s return, while Crowley plays Áine’s father Seamus.—
-
The year 2025 saw high levels of deadly violence around the world, as conflicts grew less restrained, with civilians increasingly victims of attacks by governments and non-state actors alike, according to monitoring data.—
Verb
-
But Daniels kept getting hurt this season, managing to start only seven games and getting shut down in December after a series of injuries to his left knee, right hamstring and left elbow.—
-
While rebounding kept the Horned Frogs in the game early, the offense finally picked up until the mistakes piled up down the stretch.—
Verb
-
What a slap in the face to the folks who’ve studied, who’ve researched, who’ve invented, who’ve saved lives, who’ve fought for their lives, who’ve lost their lives, who’ve devoted their lives to keeping that last group as small as possible.—
-
The Spanish chef’s fine-dining concept is an homage to the glories of the world’s oceans, with a strong emphasis on the bounty of the local waters that includes lionfish, Mahi Mahi, and an entire menu section devoted entirely to various renditions of conch.—
Adjective
-
As Legally Blonde's Elle Woods, Witherspoon charted a memorable path from dumb blonde to Harvard Law School graduate.—
-
Celebrities fight it out to be eliminated from the competition as quickly as possible to avoid being crowned the nation’s dumbest.—
Cite this Entry
“Reserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserved. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share