deserved 1 of 2

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
Given how nonplussed so many people were by his Thomas Pynchon adaptation, you’d be forgiven for thinking Anderson snatched a deserved nomination from Gillian Flynn for her Gone Girl adaptation. Joe Reid, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2025 And for all the deserved accolades to European captain Luke Donald, such a man exists on that side. Hugh Kellenberger, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
Lewis rejected their challenge of Ruiz’s conviction but agreed the sentence deserved another look. Amy Yurkanin, ProPublica, 9 Oct. 2025 Cohen beat back primary challengers in his first campaigns for the 9th congressional district, who argued that the majority-Black seat deserved Black representation. David Weigel, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deserved
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserved
Adjective
  • If the current fiscal package is estimated to not only cover its costs but grow the economy too, the path is justified, argued Zandi.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Who can claim this jumble of junior-varsity field hockey teams, center-justified poetry, and polyester tux jackets as their intellectual property?
    Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This Navfalcon Hidden Camera Detector has earned a permanent spot in my travel bag; this gadget picks up the radio frequency (RF) signals that are emitted by cameras and alerts you when these wireless signals have been detected.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Dylan, Olivia and Karagach's performance earned them 36/40 from the judges and plenty of high praise.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserved. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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