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.

Third, it was safer to have capital loaned out than in reserve, where it could be pillaged.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

Australia holds roughly 37 days' worth of petrol in reserve, according to government figures, far below the 90-day minimum dictated by the International Energy Agency.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

All IEA member countries are required to keep 90 days' worth of their nation's oil use in reserve in case of global disruption.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 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

Now I’ve lost everything: the companionship of his ideals, and the secret escape I held in reserve, if my own failed completely.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

in reserve

Example Sentences

Related Words