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Synonyms

reserved

American  
[ri-zurvd] / rɪˈzɜrvd /

adjective

  1. kept or set apart for some particular use or purpose.

  2. kept by special arrangement for some person.

    a reserved seat.

  3. formal or self-restrained in manner and relationship; avoiding familiarity or intimacy with others.

    a quiet, reserved man.
    Synonyms:
    composed, cold, distant, withdrawn, taciturn, constrained, reticent, controlled

  4. characterized by reserve, as the disposition, manner, etc..

    reserved comments.
    Synonyms:
    composed, cold, distant, withdrawn, taciturn, constrained, reticent, controlled

  5. retaining the original color of a surface, especially when decorating portions of the surface with other colors.

reserved British  
/ rɪˈzɜːvd, rɪˈzɜːvɪdlɪ /

adjective

  1. set aside for use by a particular person or people

    this table is reserved

  2. cool or formal in manner; restrained, silent, or reticent

  3. destined; fated

    reserved for great things

  4. referring to matters that are the responsibility of the national parliament rather than a devolved regional assembly

    defence is a reserved issue
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • overreserved adjective
  • overreservedly adverb
  • overreservedness noun
  • reservedly adverb
  • reservedness noun

Etymology

Origin of reserved

A late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; reserve, -ed 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The place reserved for the Champions League titleholders will pass to the league champions in qualifying with the best Uefa coefficient.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Add pasta with a splash of reserved pasta water and toss until silky.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

A spokesperson for Transport Scotland said "the availability of driving tests is a reserved matter for the UK Government and is the responsibility of the DVSA".

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

But the directive reminds faculty that A-minuses should be considered “full mastery of the subject,” while A’s are reserved for “extraordinary distinction.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Over the walkie-talkie, he heard a static-y version of Chip’s voice: “Oh, hello. Are you the person who reserved this conference room for three o’clock? The one who’s willing to talk?”

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.