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
Gilgeous-Alexander’s hard drive to the basket was deemed harmless; with the shot clock turned off, there was no need to risk overreacting to Gilgeous-Alexander’s arrow to the basket.
—
Law Murray, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025
Defensive back Elijah Campbell (ankle/ knee) was doubtful while offensive lineman Andrew Meyer was deemed questionable.
—Miami Herald, 14 Dec. 2025
Meanwhile, firefighters searched for possible occupants inside the structure before it was deemed all clear.
—Hunter Geisel, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025
Under the Obama administration, his immigration case was deemed low priority and administratively closed, meaning deportation was not pursued as officials focused enforcement efforts on immigrants convicted of serious crimes.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 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.
Law Murray, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025
Defensive back Elijah Campbell (ankle/ knee) was doubtful while offensive lineman Andrew Meyer was deemed questionable.
—Miami Herald, 14 Dec. 2025
Meanwhile, firefighters searched for possible occupants inside the structure before it was deemed all clear.
—Hunter Geisel, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025
Under the Obama administration, his immigration case was deemed low priority and administratively closed, meaning deportation was not pursued as officials focused enforcement efforts on immigrants convicted of serious crimes.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 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 17 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share