as in justified
being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong
a well deserved promotion for a hard worker
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deserved
Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Anything less will keep the door wide open for the Pohlad family to be a lightning rod for criticism that is very much deserved.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2026
Greg Cote
june 14, Miami Herald, 14 June 2026
Her performance has been garnering critical raves and the kudos are well-deserved.
—Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for deserved
Adjective
Only our legal citizens should vote, and deserved welfare should go first to Americans in need and our veterans.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Anything less will keep the door wide open for the Pohlad family to be a lightning rod for criticism that is very much deserved.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
Dave has been a friend and a friendly rival for decades, and deserved to fashion his own departure on his terms and timetable.
—Greg Cote
june 14, Miami Herald, 14 June 2026
Her performance has been garnering critical raves and the kudos are well-deserved.
—Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for deserved
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserved
Adjective
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For all of the justified concern over the potential for AI to automate work, the rise of AI babysitting points to how the technology is already changing jobs.—
Lila Shroff,
The Atlantic,
18 June 2026
-
True, the university’s effort to unload the property sparked a backlash that proved justified.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
Verb
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New Zealand earned its first point in the World Cup since 2010 with a draw against Iran.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
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Daveigh launched her career with several starring roles in films like the American dub of Spirited Away, Lilo & Stitch, Donnie Darko and The Ring — the last of which earned her an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserved. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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