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
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Recent Examples of deserving
Bobby Burack Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Survivor 49 had a winner in Savannah who was both deserving and entertaining in a spicy old-school way.
—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 May 2026
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
Kevin Adelante Fund that provides tuition assistance to deserving students whose families otherwise could not afford enrollment.
—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for deserving
Adjective
Yet cultural stereotypes continue to portray White athletes as less athletic, less gifted and less deserving of elite status.
—
Bobby Burack Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Survivor 49 had a winner in Savannah who was both deserving and entertaining in a spicy old-school way.
—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 May 2026
Verb
This conduct is deserving of condemnation and punishment by the court.
—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
Kevin Adelante Fund that provides tuition assistance to deserving students whose families otherwise could not afford enrollment.
—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for deserving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserving
Adjective
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Providing indefinite joy for the price of just one night at a hotel, this Instagram-worthy blow-up shelter is practically a portable tiny home that sets up within a few minutes.
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Another pick worthy of a spot in your warm-weather wardrobe, this Floral Find Half-Zip Pullover is going for less than $30.
Verb
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The wide receiver spent most of his career with the Green Bay Packers, helping the franchise win Super Bowl XXXI and earning Pro Bowl honors in 1998.
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Teen entrepreneurship has evolved significantly, with high schoolers now running real businesses and securing college opportunities, often earning thousands.
Adjective
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Players’ attorneys argue that more restrictive criteria serve to restrict Parkinson’s claims that are meritorious, a point of view disputed by NFL attorneys.
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Hegseth's military awards include two Bronze Star Medals for meritorious service, according to the Pentagon.
Adjective
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Olivia Rodrigo’s graphic T-shirts, sheer dresses, and keen eye for spotting the season’s hottest best shoes and accessories make her one of the best, effortless styles around.
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Carr was viewed by NBA scouts as athletic with his 42½-inch vertical leap and as having a good jump shot.
Cite this Entry
“Deserving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserving. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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