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 Mental illness deserves the same combination of faith, compassion and professional care as every other illness. — Geri McGinn Kerger, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026 Today’s astro-weather is a reminder that not every disagreement deserves a response. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 Beating Portugal, Belgium, France and Argentina is a run that deserves to end with the trophy and there’s no sense of their having avoided anyone. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026 North Wilkesboro deserved to be revived, and the fans didn't disappoint. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for deserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserve
earn
Verb
  • On the other side, Bedard at one point considered an even shorter deal to maximize his earning potential.
    — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • More than 180 products across 60 categories earned gold, silver and bronze medals, but only one item in each product type took home the coveted Golden Bear.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2026
Definition of earn

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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 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on deserve

Nglish: Translation of deserve for Spanish Speakers

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