Synonyms of reserving

reserving

verb

present participle of reserve

1

as in booking

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

• booking
• hiring
• retaining
• earmarking
• bespeaking
• contracting
• engaging

2

as in retaining

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

• retaining
• keeping
• holding
• preserving
• saving
• possessing
• having
• withholding
• protecting
• conserving
• enjoying
• guarding
• owning
• holding on to
• managing
• controlling
• hanging on to
• boasting
• directing
• ruling
• commanding
• detaining
• harboring
• hugging
• clinging (to)
• cherishing
• treasuring
• bearing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• releasing
• yielding
• relinquishing
• abandoning
• surrendering
• giving
• contributing
• dropping
• giving up
• donating
• dumping
• discarding
• ceding
• rejecting
• declining
• handing over
• handing out
• losing
• repudiating
• spurning

3

as in dedicating

to keep or intend for a special purpose

we must reserve this cup for ceremonial use only

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dedicating
• devoting
• saving
• allocating
• earmarking
• consecrating
• giving up (to)
• setting apart
• using
• setting aside
• entrusting
• setting by
• sanctifying
• employing
• consigning
• committing
• confiding
• applying
• blessing
• bestowing
• hallowing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignoring
• neglecting
• misusing
• misapplying

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of reserving

Meanwhile, drain 2 cans of pineapple tidbits, reserving the syrup. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026

Wilms says that creators that want to generate microdrama subscriptions can utilize the memberships feature, perhaps giving viewers a few episodes for free, and reserving the rest for members. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

But that is different from reserving the right, in advance, to misbehave — or asserting that your brother-in-law was not actually forgiven. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

Transfer the fish to a plate, reserving the oil in the skillet. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Transfer to a medium bowl, reserving drippings in Dutch oven. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026

For Remediation Teams often book the pen test before reserving a single engineering hour to act on it. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

There is a legitimate economic argument for enforcing work permits, business licenses and rules reserving certain sectors for citizens. — Vivianne Wandera, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2026

The new group started reserving $47 million for six competitive Senate races and one competitive House race. — Jill Colvin, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026