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
He was also criticized for offering a character letter in an adoption case, which the commission deemed an abuse of his position.
—
Heather Hollingsworth, Fortune, 23 Nov. 2025
Scottish hen parties were deemed to contain ritualistic profanation.
—Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025
While no autopsy was ever performed, Morrison’s official cause of death was deemed heart failure by French officials.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 23 Nov. 2025
In addition, six college basketball players have been deemed permanently ineligible for participating in game fixing activities, and Congress has called on sports leaders to ensure the integrity of sports.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 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.
Heather Hollingsworth, Fortune, 23 Nov. 2025
Scottish hen parties were deemed to contain ritualistic profanation.
—Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025
While no autopsy was ever performed, Morrison’s official cause of death was deemed heart failure by French officials.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 23 Nov. 2025
In addition, six college basketball players have been deemed permanently ineligible for participating in game fixing activities, and Congress has called on sports leaders to ensure the integrity of sports.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 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 29 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share