deserved 1 of 2

deserved

2 of 2

verb

past tense of deserve
as in earned
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 deserved
Adjective
In addition to the (deserved) hype around Luka's homecoming, there's plenty of on-court intrigue. Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 The Sportatorium, the West Broward concert hall of deserved ill repute and a South Florida landmark of sorts, will close next month. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
The Canucks deserved to be down by a goal or two, but Kevin Lankinen’s sharp play kept the score tied in the first period. Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025 Some lieutenant governors deserved their pay as agency heads or as effective advisers to governors, notably under Govs. Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deserved
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserved
Adjective
  • The justified accusation that the carbon footprint of a child from a rich nation was gigantic compared to that of a child from a poorer nation (except those from elite families) thickening the political smog obscuring the raw ecological toll of adding eighty million a year to the human population.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2025
  • Penalized For all the justified focus on the offense, the Padres’ season has largely been a tale of two bullpens.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Hamlin earned a scholarship this season and Campbell said this was one of the most pivotal moments of his career.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Nate Schmidt took on Domi in defense of his teammate, and the pair earned fighting majors.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserved. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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