deserve

verb

de·​serve di-ˈzərv How to pronounce deserve (audio)
deserved; deserving
Synonyms of deservenext

transitive verb

: to be worthy of : merit
deserves a medal
doesn't deserve a second chance
The idea deserves consideration.
They deserve to be punished.

intransitive verb

: to be worthy, fit, or suitable for some reward or requital
… have become recognized as they deserve.—T. S. Eliot
a worse punishment than he deserved
deserver noun

Synonyms of deserve

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Examples of deserve in a Sentence

the team really deserved that victory after the way they played
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Those concerns deserve thoughtful discussion, but they should be weighed against today’s reality. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 18 July 2026 Ahead, shop my top picks that deserve a spot in your suitcase this summer and beyond, with discounts reaching as high as 79 percent off. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2026 While the performances and writing may be what landed these TV shows on the ballot, their real estate deserves a little attention too. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 July 2026 Advertisement That question deserves particular attention because Atlanta occupies a unique place in the American imagination. — Jeffrey Bennett, Time, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for deserve

Word History

Etymology

Middle English deserven, disserven "to be worthy of, attain what one deserves," borrowed from Anglo-French deservir, desservir, deserver "to deserve, merit, earn, be entitled to" (also continental Old & Middle French), going back to Medieval Latin dēservīre "to serve, officiate (at mass), hold land by service, earn, deserve," going back to Latin, "to spend one's time in, devote oneself (to pursuits, interests), be submissive to, comply with," from dē- de- + servīre "to perform duties for (a master) in the capacity of a slave, act in subservience, be at the service of" — more at serve entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of deserve was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing deserve

Rhymes for deserve

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Browse Nearby Words

desertworthy
deserve
deserve a medal
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Cite this Entry

“Deserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deserve. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

deserve

verb
de·​serve di-ˈzərv How to pronounce deserve (audio)
deserved; deserving
: to be worthy of : merit
deserves another chance

More from Merriam-Webster on deserve

Nglish: Translation of deserve for Spanish Speakers

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