Synonyms of deserve

deserve

verb

di-ˈzərv 

as in to earn

to be or make worthy of (as a reward or punishment)

the team really deserved that victory after the way they played

Synonyms & Similar Words

• earn
• merit
• qualify
• entitle
• rate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of deserve

That alone should get the Oilers attention, but their 29-25 win over unbeaten Yorba Linda on Friday night deserves special attention. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

The amount of side characters and interfamily dramas feels too big for its 93-minute runtime, leaving some storylines feeling unfinished while still taking time away from others that deserved more focus. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 2026

In the court’s judgment, the dismissal was unlawful and the worker deserved more money. — Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2026

The fear and suffering are real and deserve attention and resources. — Angelette C. Aviles, Baltimore Sun, 19 Sep. 2026