Definition of deservednext

deserved

2 of 2

verb

past tense of deserve
as in earned
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

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 deserved
Adjective
The toilet bowl has Díaz-Canel’s face painted on it, so people can leave their deserved offering. — Sarah Moreno august 7, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026 Netflix has already faced deserved criticism for its sports coverage, often turning live events into infomercials for its entertainment division. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
Ventura was not truly a victim and deserved to face consequences alongside Combs. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026 Van celebrated winning the 125-pound title, but both fighters walked away from that night feeling everyone deserved more than the premature result. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deserved
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserved
Adjective
  • The menu is no phonebook, and what has made the cut is well-justified.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Muslims can collectively work toward that goal by electing anti-Israel candidates, Spencer explained, so giving zakat in hopes of furthering the Palestinian cause is considered justified.
    — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Ravens earned the first win of the night In a thrilling twist, the Ravens actually captured our attention by narrowly avoiding overtime with a field goal in the final second of the game!
    — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Born and raised in Southern California, Brit Bennett earned her MFA in fiction at the University of Michigan.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserved. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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