as in worthy
having sufficient worth or merit to receive one's honor, esteem, or reward
gifts donated to deserving children every Christmas
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in earning
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deserving
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Both of these teams are incredibly deserving and hungry for the opportunity to play in the World Series.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Oct. 2025
Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Let’s hope that in a year light on megastars and drama, there’s greater opportunity for deserving surprises and overdue honors — secure in the knowledge that Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl is already teed up for next year’s awards.
—Alan Light, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deserving
Adjective
Although Nas may not see himself on that stage, many would argue that few are more deserving.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Both of these teams are incredibly deserving and hungry for the opportunity to play in the World Series.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
Amorim may turn the rising tide; a Premier League wins list which only includes six of the current top-flight teams may quickly expand; a playing system currently receiving devotion without much sign of deserving it may soon bear fruit.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Let’s hope that in a year light on megastars and drama, there’s greater opportunity for deserving surprises and overdue honors — secure in the knowledge that Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl is already teed up for next year’s awards.
—Alan Light, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deserving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserving
Adjective
-
Just as the close loss at Oregon served as the cornerstone of their playoff-worthy resume last year, the loss at South Florida creates a giant stain this season.—
Jon Wilner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Oct. 2025
-
This take on the classic combo of Brussels and bacon is holiday-worthy, but also easy and delicious enough for a weeknight dinner.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Baumbach’s Marriage Story dominated the Gotham Awards in 2019, winning best feature, best screenplay, the audience award and best actor for star Adam Driver, ahead of earning six Oscar nominations and Dern winning best supporting actress at the 2020 Oscars for her performance.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Oct. 2025
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The original film became a cultural phenomenon following its theatrical release, earning Morita an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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No meritorious credit will be granted.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
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MacVean, who lived in Point Loma for nearly 50 years, was lauded for his work, receiving the Distinguished Service Medal on two occasions for meritorious service.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Non-perishable items or foods that last a long time in the fridge can be good options.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
26 Oct. 2025
-
The baby, who initially made good progress after the surgery, died 20 days later.—
Arizona Republic,
AZCentral.com,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deserving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserving. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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