deserve

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 Martinez noted that there is still more work to do and that every student deserves the chance to reach their full potential. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2025 Vulnerable kids need and deserve the support of all of the adults in their lives - teachers, parents, and other leaders. Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025 However, there were no holding calls in the second half, and that o-line deserves credit for FIU’s huge rushing day (249 yards). Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2025 Lamb doesn’t think River even deserves a dressing-down. Scott Tobias, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserve
earn
Verb
  • The starters in those games combined for 3 1/3 innings and 10 runs (six earned) allowed.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Anyone who gets into that position has definitely earned it.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserve. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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