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
Relevance
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
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 deserving
Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 30 Mar. 2026
However, there is a group of individuals who are overlooked and just as deserving of recognition for their service — the family members who support those who serve in uniform.
—Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2026
Adames looked nothing like a player deserving of a $182 million deal in the first few months as a Giant.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deserving
Adjective
For the inaugural edition, Polimoda is offering two scholarships worth 14,000 euros each — the course costs 14,000 euros a year — to the most deserving students.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 30 Mar. 2026
However, there is a group of individuals who are overlooked and just as deserving of recognition for their service — the family members who support those who serve in uniform.
—Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
Zamora Wilson began a committee hearing last week by quoting Benjamin Franklin’s line about how giving up essential liberty for temporary safety makes one deserving of neither.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2026
Adames looked nothing like a player deserving of a $182 million deal in the first few months as a Giant.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deserving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserving
Adjective
-
Again, this is not a magazine cover-worthy dish.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
16 Apr. 2026
-
However, the new Master Suites may overtake Silvers in popularity; their 721-to-826 square feet include brag-worthy 270-degree views.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Across his final two collegiate seasons at Houston and LSU, Haulcy totaled 162 tackles, eight interceptions and 12 pass breakups, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2024 and All-SEC recognition in 2025.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Ball is under strong consideration for All-NBA honors, entering the conversation thanks to turning in his best season statistically since earning a nod as an All-Star reserve during his second year in the league in 2021-22.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In those situations, eligibility rules are viewed as non-meritorious and undermining a competitive market for teams to buy players’ services.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
6 Apr. 2026
-
He has been recognized six times by the Police Department for excellent and meritorious police duty, according to the NYPD’s website.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Lemon Poppyseed Muffins Trader Joe’s muffins have a good reputation—and for good reason.—
Staff Author,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Apr. 2026
-
And the rigmarole of international travel is a very good reason.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deserving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserving. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
