deemed; deeming; deems
: to come to think or judge : consider
deemed it wise to go slow
those whom she deemed worthy
a movie deemed appropriate for all ages
: to have an opinion : believe
Did you know?
Originally, deem meant "to legally condemn." The word is still frequently used in contexts pertaining to the law but with the general meaning "to judge" or "to decide after inquiry and deliberation," as in "The act was deemed unlawful" or "The defendant is deemed to have agreed to the contract." Outside of the law, deem usually means simply "to consider."
Examples of deem in a Sentence
The principal will take whatever action she deems appropriate in this case.
I deem it fitting that we mark this solemn occasion with a day of prayer and thanksgiving.
Recent Examples on the Web
To qualify for this, the injury has to be deemed a long-term one, with a recovery time of at least four months.
—
Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025
The Artist almost had it but was deemed ineligible at the WGA.
—Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 21 Dec. 2025
The views are so stunning and dramatic, Chuckanut Drive has also been deemed the Pacific Northwest’s version of California’s Big Sur.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2025
Chapter 51 refers to Wisconsin’s civil commitment law, which allows a court to order mental health treatment when a person is deemed a danger to themselves or others, or unable to care for themselves under state law.
—Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deem
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025
The Artist almost had it but was deemed ineligible at the WGA.
—Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 21 Dec. 2025
The views are so stunning and dramatic, Chuckanut Drive has also been deemed the Pacific Northwest’s version of California’s Big Sur.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2025
Chapter 51 refers to Wisconsin’s civil commitment law, which allows a court to order mental health treatment when a person is deemed a danger to themselves or others, or unable to care for themselves under state law.
—Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deem
Cite this Entry
“Deem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deem. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.
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