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

Her new friends include Sam (Bianca Dumais), a rock-chick type who’s the same age as Franny and who has developed a reputation for promiscuity around town that doesn’t seem deserved. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 25 May 2026

The continent is represented by 10 teams this tournament, twice as many as in 2022, a deserved increase given in qualification spots as part of the tournament expansion. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 20 June 2026

Verb

The name recognition isn’t there yet for DR Congo, but the African team deserved its 1-1 draw against Portugal. — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 23 June 2026

Seven years later, he has been injured, apathetic, entitled, disconnected and generally nothing but a pain in the backside for a reenergized franchise that deserved so much better. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026