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
Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Fleetwood’s victory was well earned and well deserved.
—Sheldon H. Jacobson, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
And once again, Lil Wayne deserved the displeasure.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deserved
Adjective
However, the excitement in Green Bay is real and deserved.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Fleetwood’s victory was well earned and well deserved.
—Sheldon H. Jacobson, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
But maybe the two of them deserved each other, honestly.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
And once again, Lil Wayne deserved the displeasure.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deserved
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserved
Adjective
-
For much of the last decade, the Mets’ amorphous but always restricted budget drew the justified ire of their fan base.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
-
And that then links to their view of what they’re justified doing in response to the grievances.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
For instance, if both people are eligible but one earned more, collect the lower amount first to have some cash.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
-
When his high fly ball crossed into Toronto’s home bullpen, Guerrero earned his first playoff homer.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserved. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share