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

This 10-day South Bay festival marking its 18th year jams in an expansive selection of shorts — from documentaries to narratives — and gives newbie and veteran filmmakers working in various genres a much deserved spotlight. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 4 Sep. 2026

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

Verb

Jane Doe deserved a police department that actually followed up on her case. — Jeannine Chiang, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026

Ditka and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan clashed often about strategy and which man deserved more public recognition for the team’s success. — Ira Kaufman, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026