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

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

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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

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

Adjective

Aidaya has introduced SuiSui, a reserved ticketing system designed for restaurants, in which customers get priority entry by paying a fee separate from the meal cost. — Masayuki Oi Japan News, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026 Raissa, who comes from a loving and involved family, is studious, a whiz at math and science, and more reserved. — Parents, 25 Sep. 2026

Verb

The base’s residences have historically been reserved for military brass. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 8 Oct. 2026 That money is reserved for kids living in ZIP codes with a median family income of $150,000 or less — and deposits are expected to be made by Friday. — Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reserved

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reserved

Adjective

But like many people who often turn to humor in uncomfortable situations, Iain attempted to make a few jokes, while Holly Revord remained totally silent.

— Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
In the last stretch of Slam Frank, the show turns serious, as Anne’s silent sister Margot starts talking.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of silent

Verb

Gibson spent several days in the ICU before he was booked on charges of illegally possessing a gun and felony resisting arrest.

— Senior Editor, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
But the Bakkers also booked unlikely celebrities, including singer Little Richard, Black Panther Eldridge Cleaver and Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt.

— John Wigger, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of booked

Verb

Investment banks JPMorgan Chase and Raine Group were retained to assist with the process.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Ultimately, though, Cramer retained the Club's shares because of his trust in the veteran leadership team of CEO Satya Nadella and CFO Amy Hood.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of retained

Adjective

Either way, Rahimi balances the character’s clear vulnerability with just enough ambiguity about his plans for the school, accentuated through Majidi’s restrained and naturalistic approach.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
While the look nods to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy with its restrained elegance, the final product is decidedly Giulia’s own.

— Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of restrained

Verb

One of these is effectively kept hidden from scene to scene, especially once a sick old man falls into Soulan’s care.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
The decision Misty makes as the film enters its third act is partly precipitated by her bipolar kind-of brother, her lone touchstone to a troubled childhood that’s kept frustratingly vague.

— Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of kept

Verb

Homeland Security devoted $20 million to the campaign, which critics say promotes Trump’s political message rather than helping the public access government services.

— Gene Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Reactions, however, ranged from pure fascination and respect for his 12-year project to critics questioning whether Tomlin, who parted ways with the Steelers in January of this year, had devoted too much time to his virtual city.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of devoted

Adjective

Wow, the brown Democratic candidate calling the white Republican candidate a dumb immigrant — California politics sure have changed!

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
His current employer is Damien Cantor, an authentically sleazy and slippery character who operates under no discernible code beyond indulging a dumb, preening narcissism.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of dumb

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reserved

reservedness

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“Reserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reserved. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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verb

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