deserved

adjective

de·​served di-ˈzərvd How to pronounce deserved (audio)
Synonyms of deservednext
: of, relating to, or being that which one deserves
a deserved reputation
deservedly
di-ˈzər-vəd-lē How to pronounce deserved (audio)
-ˈzərvd-lē
adverb
deservedness
di-ˈzər-vəd-nəs How to pronounce deserved (audio)
-ˈzərvd-nəs
noun

Synonyms of deserved

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Examples of deserved in a Sentence

a well deserved promotion for a hard worker
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Alan Tudyk is just brilliant and genuinely deserved awards for his performance as the alien, Harry. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026 Only our legal citizens should vote, and deserved welfare should go first to Americans in need and our veterans. — Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026 While the criticism is well deserved, to its credit, the report does make a handful of astute observations that Democrats would be wise not to dismiss. — Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 28 May 2026 Germany's head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, gave Ecuador its deserved praise for the win today, saying his own team failed to find its rhythm in the second half. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for deserved

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of deserve

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deserved was circa 1552

Rhymes for deserved

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Browse Nearby Words

deserve a medal
deserved
deservedly so
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deserved. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

deserved

adjective
de·​served -ˈzərvd How to pronounce deserved (audio)
: of, relating to, or being that which one deserves
a deserved punishment
deservedly
-ˈzər-vəd-lē How to pronounce deserved (audio)
adverb
deservedness
-nəs How to pronounce deserved (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on deserved

Nglish: Translation of deserved for Spanish Speakers

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