as in justified
being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong
a well deserved promotion for a hard worker
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
With her recent domination of Milan, and imminent command over New York City’s annual design week in May, Toogood is happily riding this second wave of success—and humbly basking in the highly deserved recognition from her industry peers.
—Dan Howarth, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025
Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
Some lieutenant governors deserved their pay as agency heads or as effective advisers to governors, notably under Govs.
—Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deserved
Adjective
But there is also the fact that Bayern lost their record dominance in the Champions League group stage, and although the club put up a good fight, the exit against Inter Milan was more than deserved.
—Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
With her recent domination of Milan, and imminent command over New York City’s annual design week in May, Toogood is happily riding this second wave of success—and humbly basking in the highly deserved recognition from her industry peers.
—Dan Howarth, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
The Canucks deserved to be down by a goal or two, but Kevin Lankinen’s sharp play kept the score tied in the first period.
—Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
Some lieutenant governors deserved their pay as agency heads or as effective advisers to governors, notably under Govs.
—Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deserved
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserved
Adjective
-
Supporters argue that Israel's campaign to eliminate Iran's nuclear facilities—including enrichment plants, missile bases, research centers, infrastructure, and oil refineries—is a justified national security measure.—
Felice Friedson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
-
For all of the justified excitement and hubbub about Rafael Devers, the loss of an exciting and promising homegrown pitcher is impossible to ignore.—
Grant Brisbee,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
Verb
-
Hamlin earned a scholarship this season and Campbell said this was one of the most pivotal moments of his career.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Nate Schmidt took on Domi in defense of his teammate, and the pair earned fighting majors.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserved. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share