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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

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

While major chip makers have some helium supply in reserve, there’s some uncertainty about what would transpire if the conflict were to drag on and disrupt helium production over a longer span.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 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

There's plenty of oxygen in the Hab, and plenty more in reserve.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir