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."
Synonyms
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
Those who use a broad definition and an algorithmic approach would deem the incident sexist; there is a pattern of women being paid less than men, and this case fits that pattern.
—
Jessi Streib, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
When Perkins was arrested and charged with murder in 2012, the law left the possibility of indefinite incarceration for defendants deemed mentally-incapable of proceeding to a trial.
—Kallie Cox, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
Her husband Robert Sims (Common) leads her and their son to the vault, but the all-knowing voice says only Camille can stay—despite Sims’ endless dedication to the silo, he is not deemed the best person to be the next head of IT.
—Barry Levitt, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025
Unnecessary roughness: This penalty is called when a player’s activity is deemed overly aggressive, dangerous or unsportsmanlike.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deem 
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Jessi Streib, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
When Perkins was arrested and charged with murder in 2012, the law left the possibility of indefinite incarceration for defendants deemed mentally-incapable of proceeding to a trial.
—Kallie Cox, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
Her husband Robert Sims (Common) leads her and their son to the vault, but the all-knowing voice says only Camille can stay—despite Sims’ endless dedication to the silo, he is not deemed the best person to be the next head of IT.
—Barry Levitt, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025
Unnecessary roughness: This penalty is called when a player’s activity is deemed overly aggressive, dangerous or unsportsmanlike.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deem
Dictionary Entries Near deem
Cite this Entry
“Deem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deem. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
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