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
The Department of Homeland Security has also ordered a comprehensive review of all green cards issued to immigrants from countries deemed high-risk.
—
Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2025
Sisniega charged out from his goal and fouled midfielder Ryan Gauld in what referee Joe Dickerson deemed a clear goal-scoring opportunity and automatic red card.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Nov. 2025
He was deemed competent to stand trial November 14 after a 40-day stint in a state hospital.
—Lauren Del Valle, CNN Money, 30 Nov. 2025
Doubts remain that Putin would actually agree to any plan that's deemed acceptable to Kyiv.
—Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 30 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.
Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2025
Sisniega charged out from his goal and fouled midfielder Ryan Gauld in what referee Joe Dickerson deemed a clear goal-scoring opportunity and automatic red card.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Nov. 2025
He was deemed competent to stand trial November 14 after a 40-day stint in a state hospital.
—Lauren Del Valle, CNN Money, 30 Nov. 2025
Doubts remain that Putin would actually agree to any plan that's deemed acceptable to Kyiv.
—Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 30 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 3 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share