deserve

verb

di-ˈzərv How to pronounce deserve (audio)
Definition of deservenext
as in to earn
to be or make worthy of (as a reward or punishment) the team really deserved that victory after the way they played

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of deserve Every family deserves timely access to genetic testing, not just to name a condition, but to begin building the future that diagnosis makes possible. — Brad Quick, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026 Its educational programs have reached more than 2,700 young people, UConn and Hartford public schools students and Coast Guard cadets among them, and awarded scholarships to deserving students. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026 Florida’s seniors deserve better than silence from the people asking for their votes. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026 Michigan deserves a senator who is ready to sit with you, hear from you and represent you. — NBC news, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserve
earn
Verb
  • Gausman earned a high-five and slap on the back from manager Craig Counsell in the dugout after his night ended.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • After a disastrous road trip and traumatic trade deadline, Washington earned a feel-good victory.
    — Noah White, Washington Post, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of earn

Browse Nearby Words

deserts
deserve
deserved
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Cite this Entry

“Deserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserve. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on deserve

Nglish: Translation of deserve for Spanish Speakers

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