deemed; deeming; deems
: to come to think or judge : consider
deemed it wise to go slow
those whom she deemed worthy
a movie deemed appropriate for all ages
: to have an opinion : believe
Did you know?
Originally, deem meant "to legally condemn." The word is still frequently used in contexts pertaining to the law but with the general meaning "to judge" or "to decide after inquiry and deliberation," as in "The act was deemed unlawful" or "The defendant is deemed to have agreed to the contract." Outside of the law, deem usually means simply "to consider."
Examples of deem in a Sentence
The principal will take whatever action she deems appropriate in this case.
I deem it fitting that we mark this solemn occasion with a day of prayer and thanksgiving.
Recent Examples on the Web
Once a coaster has been deemed safe, its designers ride it over and over to further finesse the experience.
—
Bianca Bosker, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2025
Poggi deemed that an impossible request.
—Austin Meek, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
The film has clear influences from slashers like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and was widely lauded for bringing fresh life to the genre, with some critics even deeming it a love letter to all that came before it.
—Yasmeen Hamadeh, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2025
This is at least the second worker in Wisconsin to be fired for posting comments deemed inflammatory by employers.
—Mary Spicuzza, jsonline.com, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deem
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Bianca Bosker, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2025
Poggi deemed that an impossible request.
—Austin Meek, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
The film has clear influences from slashers like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and was widely lauded for bringing fresh life to the genre, with some critics even deeming it a love letter to all that came before it.
—Yasmeen Hamadeh, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2025
This is at least the second worker in Wisconsin to be fired for posting comments deemed inflammatory by employers.
—Mary Spicuzza, jsonline.com, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deem
Cite this Entry
“Deem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deem. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share