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
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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
The complaint, filed Monday in San Diego County superior court, argues that Tatis’ player investment contract should be deemed void under California law.
—
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 June 2025
The idea is to punish governments — particularly in the EU, UK, and Canada — that the Trump administration deems to impose unfair taxes on US companies working there.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 24 June 2025
Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to revoke any existing withdrawal, reservation, or appropriation; however, the monument shall be the dominant reservation.
—Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2025
Although 31% of applicants were deemed likely fraudulent last year, that doesn’t mean 31% of students in the community college system are fake, noted John Hetts, the executive vice chancellor for research, analytics and data for California Community Colleges.
—Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deem
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 June 2025
The idea is to punish governments — particularly in the EU, UK, and Canada — that the Trump administration deems to impose unfair taxes on US companies working there.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 24 June 2025
Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to revoke any existing withdrawal, reservation, or appropriation; however, the monument shall be the dominant reservation.
—Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2025
Although 31% of applicants were deemed likely fraudulent last year, that doesn’t mean 31% of students in the community college system are fake, noted John Hetts, the executive vice chancellor for research, analytics and data for California Community Colleges.
—Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 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 4 Jul. 2025.
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