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
Its undeniable popularity even prompted retailers to sell counterfeit versions of the dolls, which the public has deemed as Lafufus.
—
Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 15 Nov. 2025
Following a public outcry over what many deemed to be harsh sentences, Wyoming Governor Edgar Herschler commuted both sentences, with Richie and Deborah both released in 1985.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 15 Nov. 2025
What's Next Lenertz told the Kansas Reflector that the Coldwater City Council is seeking guidance on the matter and is uncertain about potential consequences if Ceballos is deemed ineligible to maintain his mayoral seat.
—Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2025
Multiple federal courts deemed that the map likely violated the Voting Rights Act, and the lawmakers redrew the maps to include a second majority-Black district.
—Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deem
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Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 15 Nov. 2025
Following a public outcry over what many deemed to be harsh sentences, Wyoming Governor Edgar Herschler commuted both sentences, with Richie and Deborah both released in 1985.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 15 Nov. 2025
What's Next Lenertz told the Kansas Reflector that the Coldwater City Council is seeking guidance on the matter and is uncertain about potential consequences if Ceballos is deemed ineligible to maintain his mayoral seat.
—Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2025
Multiple federal courts deemed that the map likely violated the Voting Rights Act, and the lawmakers redrew the maps to include a second majority-Black district.
—Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Nov. 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 23 Nov. 2025.
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