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
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Large portions of California consist of deserts, mountains, forests, and agricultural regions with little housing development.
—James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Like his ancestors, once known as prairie wolves, as song dogs, as tricksters and gods, who emerged from the deserts and high plains.
—Literary Hub, 12 May 2026
However, lawns don't have to be ecological deserts.
—Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2026
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures were expected in the 70s near the coast, the 80s and 90s for inland areas and into the triple digits for the deserts.
—Austin Turner, CBS News, 11 May 2026
Cutting-edge tech is turning deserts and other inland areas into top-flight surfing destinations.
—David Shortell, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2026
The Sheriff’s Department is responsible for law enforcement in the county’s unincorporated areas, which include deserts and mountains, as well as cities that contract with the agency — including Temecula, Moreno Valley, Lake Elsinore, Rancho Mirage and others.
—Hailey Wang, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
With one of the nation’s lowest population densities — and most residents living in cities — Idaho boasts plenty of wide-open spaces, an amazing array of geography from huge lakes and raging rivers to snowy peaks and bone-dry deserts.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
Lina Ruiz
april 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2026
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
Noun
The drama then shifts to the film shoot itself, which takes place on the deserts and shores of the Canary Islands, standing in for the Sahara circa 1932.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Large portions of California consist of deserts, mountains, forests, and agricultural regions with little housing development.
—James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Like his ancestors, once known as prairie wolves, as song dogs, as tricksters and gods, who emerged from the deserts and high plains.
—Literary Hub, 12 May 2026
However, lawns don't have to be ecological deserts.
—Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2026
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures were expected in the 70s near the coast, the 80s and 90s for inland areas and into the triple digits for the deserts.
—Austin Turner, CBS News, 11 May 2026
Cutting-edge tech is turning deserts and other inland areas into top-flight surfing destinations.
—David Shortell, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2026
The Sheriff’s Department is responsible for law enforcement in the county’s unincorporated areas, which include deserts and mountains, as well as cities that contract with the agency — including Temecula, Moreno Valley, Lake Elsinore, Rancho Mirage and others.
—Hailey Wang, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
With one of the nation’s lowest population densities — and most residents living in cities — Idaho boasts plenty of wide-open spaces, an amazing array of geography from huge lakes and raging rivers to snowy peaks and bone-dry deserts.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
Verb
There are 15 overall child care deserts out of 74 ZIP codes in Tarrant, and 40% of those deserts are considered to be chronic.
—Lina Ruiz
april 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2026
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
-
Since the turn of the century, California’s state budget has been plagued by a boom-and-bust syndrome rooted in its lopsided revenue system and a lack of political discipline.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
19 May 2026
-
The league constitution is a contract between teams, owners and the league that details league authority over teams, including with respect to ownership, relocation, discipline and territorial rights.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
Katie fully catches on to his selfish game, though, and firmly rejects him at last.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
-
Turkey vehemently rejects the label, conceding many died in that era but insisting the death toll is inflated and the deaths resulted from civil unrest.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
As Raskar explained that in India, digital public infrastructure is leading to a reinvention of payment systems, Rai mentioned the levels of adoption of device technology, which leaves the population more open to apps.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
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Johnson’s Anaia is much sweeter, and though there’s some ferocity inside her too, the movie leaves her in a compassionate, optimistic place.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Massachusetts State Police Trainor grew up in Salem, Massachusetts and joined the State Police in 2023 after serving as a corrections officer in Essex County.—
Matt Schooley,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
-
Ultimately, the goal isn’t to sidestep a correction or perfectly time the market.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Everyone abandons him, except the doctors and their machines.—
Deborah Treisman,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
When a security system declines a valid purchase, the customer often abandons the cart and moves to a competitor.—
Ethan Stone,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
Francis took some punishment from Navarro – a few shots from a baseball bat and a drop kick with a trash can.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
-
The bipartisan support for the measure comes at a time when federal closures have become longer and more frequent, frustrating lawmakers who say there should be punishment when Congress fails at its most basic legislative duty.—
Joey Cappelletti,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
When a team drafted some linebacker from Appalachian State in the fifth round, Kiper could offer a torrent of assessment.—
Dan Greene,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
The study’s scope includes an optional component — triggered only if the initial assessment warrants it — that would produce a conceptual design and site plan for a potential eastern substation, including cost estimates.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
For example, if a Medicare Advantage plan withdraws from a market or leaves the Medicare program, its enrollees can qualify for a supplemental plan without being asked health questions or charged more for having preexisting conditions.—
Julie Appleby,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
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University officials deactivated the group the same day they were notified, citing campus policies that allow suspension of student organizations when a parent or governing body withdraws recognition or when groups violate state law.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deserts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserts. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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