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deserve

verb

di-ˈzərv How to pronounce deserve (audio)
Definition of deservenext
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

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of deserve Any governor deserves to have a loyal LG, ready to take over if need be. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026 The latest Program for International Student Assessment, or PISA, release deserves more attention. — Kevin Huffman, Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2026 Archer's dog, Porthos, deserved his own spin-off purely for being a Beagle and the goodest boy in the whole galaxy. — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 26 Sep. 2026 The franchise’s 1945 (representing Cleveland) and 1951 titles also deserve banners, similar to how the Lakers acknowledge their Minneapolis past. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserve
earn
Verb
  • More than 1,000 employees have moved into driving roles through the program, where first-year drivers can make up to $115,000 annually and more experienced drivers can earn up to $135,000, according to the company.
    — Alice Barlow, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The Associated Press SHENZHEN, China -- SHENZHEN, China (AP) — Elina Svitolina slammed her racket on the court to celebrate earning Ukraine a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup final for the first time Saturday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of earn

Browse Nearby Words

deserts
deserve
deserved
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Cite this Entry

“Deserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserve. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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