deserves

present tense third-person singular of deserve
as in earns
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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deserves Building enrollment deserves the same commitment as closing schools. — Tim Lonergan, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 Not every case deserves that kind of last-minute intervention, but in Duckett’s case nearly every shred of evidence presented at his original trial has been disproven or debunked. — Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 That essential function deserves greater recognition from policymakers and the public alike. — Monica Ningen, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2026 The design is understandably a huge draw, but its texture deserves just as much attention. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 29 Oct. 2026 Fewer Americans than ever think that their representative in Congress deserves to be reelected ahead of a midterm election, according to new Gallup polling, a warning sign for incumbents from both parties battling for their seats next week. — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026 There’s no guarantee that will be the case here, but the family deserves the chance to make the decision. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Nana’s famous apple pie recipe deserves to be passed on, so this personalized board is a sweet gift for the family cook who treasures old traditions. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2026 Amendment 3 is the one on the ballot that Combs thinks deserves attention. — Kaley Fedko, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserves
earns
Verb
  • When a server in the US earns less than $17 an hour on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, that typically doesn’t give them a lot of savings to pay for unexpected medical bills.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Conceding that earns you the credibility to defend the steps that matter.
    — Brian Jenney, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deserves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserves. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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