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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Recent Examples of deserved
Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
The Sportatorium, the West Broward concert hall of deserved ill repute and a South Florida landmark of sorts, will close next month.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 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
In addition to the (deserved) hype around Luka's homecoming, there's plenty of on-court intrigue.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
The Sportatorium, the West Broward concert hall of deserved ill repute and a South Florida landmark of sorts, will close next month.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 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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The protean hatred of Jews is always justified, and never justifiable.—
Rabbi David Wolpe,
Time,
23 May 2025
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Your personal life doesn't need to be defended, justified, or sacrificed because someone else's priorities weren't planned for.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 May 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 29 May. 2025.
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