Synonyms of deserved

deserved 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈzərvd 

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

• justified
• due
• merited
• proper
• suitable
• legal
• rightful
• legitimate
• appropriate
• competent
• fair
• just
• warranted
• right
• condign
• strict
• equitable
• meet
• correct
• fitting
• true
• applicable
• apt
• requisite
• accurate
• lawful
• fit
• impartial
• stringent
• uncompromising
• square
• rhadamanthine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unfair
• undeserved
• undue
• unjust
• unjustified
• unwarranted
• irrelevant
• incorrect
• improper
• unreasonable
• inappropriate
• unmerited
• partial
• unsuitable
• incoherent
• unjustifiable
• inapplicable
• unequal
• biased
• indefensible
• inequitable
• arbitrary
• unlawful
• irrelative
• inapt
• despotic
• illegitimate
• inapposite

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

• earned
• merited
• entitled
• rated
• qualified

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of deserved

Adjective

No one else’s sudden Hollywood ascension has been more deserved. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 17 July 2026

Germany's head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, gave Ecuador its deserved praise for the win today, saying his own team failed to find its rhythm in the second half. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026

Verb

Many critics remain skeptical that this artist’s debut, or any artist’s debut, deserved to be in the Louvre. — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026

This isn't an argument that Carrington automatically deserved the exact same one-game suspension Brondello received. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026