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Definitions

in reserve

ADJECTIVE
extra
Synonyms
STRONGEST
added additional ancillary auxiliary extraneous extraordinary fresh further leftover new other special supplemental supplementary unnecessary unused
STRONG
button fuss gingerbread gravy ice inessential lagniappe more needless perk plus reserve spare supernumerary surplus tip
WEAK
another beyond in addition in store one more optional over and above redundant superfluous unneeded
Antonyms
STRONGEST
common commonplace main necessary needed normal old ordinary used usual worn
WEAK
basic elementary essential fundamental integral
ADJECTIVE
spare
Synonyms
STRONGEST
unoccupied unused
STRONG
backup emergency free lagniappe leftover option over supernumerary surplus
WEAK
additional de trop in excess in store more than enough odd supererogatory superfluous unwanted
Antonyms
WEAK
necessary
ADVERB
aside
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alone away out separately
STRONG
apart
WEAK
abreast afar alongside beside by oneself in isolation near nearby neck and neck out of the way privately
Antonyms
WEAK
middle

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.

Europe came into the crisis with large buffers: It has about 450 million barrels of oil and refined products in reserve, according to Société Générale.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

For example, China has built 1.3 billion barrels of oil in reserve.

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026

Some European countries instruct energy companies to hold a certain amount of petroleum in reserve, and simply reduce that target in a “release.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Struyven and Thomas estimate that central banks will accumulate a further 60 tons of gold in 2026 with those in emerging markets leading this structural shift in reserve allocation.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 22, 2026

The only thing I leave in reserve is the squirrel and the apple.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.