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
Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
The Athletics receive plenty of deserved flak about playing in Sacramento — which was a purposeful move — while Tampa Bay continues to play elite baseball despite playing home games in another minor-league park (not purposeful) and continuing to pinch pennies.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
Some lieutenant governors deserved their pay as agency heads or as effective advisers to governors, notably under Govs.
—Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deserved
Adjective
The honor is very much deserved for Ryan, who has been the best pitcher on the Twins over the past few months with an 8-4 record, a 2.76 ERA, and 116 strikeouts.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
The Athletics receive plenty of deserved flak about playing in Sacramento — which was a purposeful move — while Tampa Bay continues to play elite baseball despite playing home games in another minor-league park (not purposeful) and continuing to pinch pennies.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Verb
The Canucks deserved to be down by a goal or two, but Kevin Lankinen’s sharp play kept the score tied in the first period.
—Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
Some lieutenant governors deserved their pay as agency heads or as effective advisers to governors, notably under Govs.
—Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deserved
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserved
Adjective
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But six months after Spring Training camp in Arizona and amid a run in which the Giants have won only seven of their last 24 games, that optimism has been replaced with justified anger and confusion.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
13 Aug. 2025
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The four teams from Texas are all justified selections for their respective spots.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Hamlin earned a scholarship this season and Campbell said this was one of the most pivotal moments of his career.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Mar. 2025
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Nate Schmidt took on Domi in defense of his teammate, and the pair earned fighting majors.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserved. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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