as in discipline
suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense
the robbers got their just deserts
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in rejects
to leave (a cause or party) often in order to take up another
the volunteer became disillusioned with his candidate and deserted to a political rival
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in leaves
to cause to remain behind
deserted the kids at the food court for some independent shopping
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deserts
Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026
Over 35% of counties in America are considered OB deserts, or maternal care deserts, meaning there aren’t any obstetric clinicians or hospitals or birth centers providing obstetric care.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 4 Jan. 2026
In Indiana, 24% of counties, all of which are rural, are classified as maternity care deserts without obstetric providers and hospitals offering obstetric services.
—Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026
Reclaiming deserts Deserts are notoriously difficult to reclaim.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
Traveling across the United States, Europe, tropical islands and deserts, Cary and Trish used everything — planes, trains, cars, buses, ships.
—Madison Beveridge, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
Yes, America has deserts and sand.
—Angus MacKenzie, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2025
Parents in childcare deserts have few options.
—Lauren Hilgers, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
As part of that initiative, the state wants to go further with SNAP by enlisting technology to promote healthy eating in grocery store deserts.
—Isabella Cueto, STAT, 29 Dec. 2025
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2025
Based on the graphic novel of the same name by Isabel Greenberg, the upcoming adaptation follows a young bride named Cherry (scream queen Maika Monroe), whose husband (Amir El-Masry) deserts her in the care of the sexy Manfred (Nicholas Galitzine) and her maid, Hero (Emma Corrin).
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025
In California, the warning is in effect for southeastern counties, with temperatures forecast to reach 111 F in Indian Wells Valley; and 115 F in Coachella Valley and San Diego County deserts.
—Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
Chase Travel Chase Travel’s 26 Trips to Take in 2026 highlights where booking demand and cultural curiosity are converging, with destinations spanning rugged deserts, coastal hideaways, Arctic wilderness, and global cultural capitals.
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026
Over 35% of counties in America are considered OB deserts, or maternal care deserts, meaning there aren’t any obstetric clinicians or hospitals or birth centers providing obstetric care.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 4 Jan. 2026
In Indiana, 24% of counties, all of which are rural, are classified as maternity care deserts without obstetric providers and hospitals offering obstetric services.
—Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026
Reclaiming deserts Deserts are notoriously difficult to reclaim.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
Traveling across the United States, Europe, tropical islands and deserts, Cary and Trish used everything — planes, trains, cars, buses, ships.
—Madison Beveridge, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
Yes, America has deserts and sand.
—Angus MacKenzie, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2025
Parents in childcare deserts have few options.
—Lauren Hilgers, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
As part of that initiative, the state wants to go further with SNAP by enlisting technology to promote healthy eating in grocery store deserts.
—Isabella Cueto, STAT, 29 Dec. 2025
Verb
Sean, 17, deserts his post in the midst of the Iraq war and returns to England.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2025
Based on the graphic novel of the same name by Isabel Greenberg, the upcoming adaptation follows a young bride named Cherry (scream queen Maika Monroe), whose husband (Amir El-Masry) deserts her in the care of the sexy Manfred (Nicholas Galitzine) and her maid, Hero (Emma Corrin).
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025
In California, the warning is in effect for southeastern counties, with temperatures forecast to reach 111 F in Indian Wells Valley; and 115 F in Coachella Valley and San Diego County deserts.
—Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserts
Noun
-
Eberflus’ best intentions and vision for winning football disintegrated due in part to his team’s lack of discipline and the coaching staff’s inability to steer out of even the smallest skids.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
However, the Chinese researchers argue that those systems typically focus on fewer disciplines and often require manual adjustments when expanded.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Judge rejects diversion program In November, Yolo Superior Court Judge Paul Richardson rejected Trauernicht’s request to suspend his case and admit him into a mental health diversion program.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
10 Jan. 2026
-
But Schelling rejects the idea that working in a shop is settling.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Back in 1962, Lilly leaves Juniper Hill with a higher dose of medication, which seems like the best-case scenario given the threat of lobotomy in the show’s opening titles.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The key is to fold the scarf over itself to create volume and to look for a lace trim that leaves the hem frayed, so as not to look too formal.—
Arancha Gamo,
Glamour,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
In September 1984, Braddy escaped from custody three times, overpowering a Miami-Dade corrections officer and four Broward sheriff’s deputies, according to the Herald’s archives.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Because Japanese skin care prioritizes prevention as much as correction, moisturizers are used daily not only for dry skin but also to protect against environmental stressors, dehydration, and early signs of aging, even for balanced or combination skin types.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Edward cruelly abandons his wife to pursue a wealthy and high-status noblewoman (Bella Heathcote).—
Robert Lang,
Deadline,
27 Dec. 2025
-
Using three boundaries to solve the problem The new study abandons the idea of a purely passive shell.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
As for what the punishment was for Rhoades, the school would not comment any further regarding the incident.—
Trey Wallace OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The passage of Proposition 36, a tougher-on-crime law that placed stricter punishments on repeat drug and theft offenders, has given both agencies more opportunities to try to help those in custody suffering from drug addiction.—
Nathaniel Percy,
Oc Register,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Experts agree with this assessment.—
Brett Berk,
Robb Report,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Korf and Laber dispute that assessment.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Musk withdraws the California suit in June, then files a federal suit in August.—
Nikita Ostrovsky,
Time,
27 Oct. 2025
-
If a parent later withdraws permission, the app developer must be notified to disable access.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deserts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserts. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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