DESERVED Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

deserved 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈzərvd

Definition of deserved

as in justified

being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong a well deserved promotion for a hard worker

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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-form striker Donyell Malen scored his sixth goal in four games to put Roma ahead and Niccolò Pisilli got a deserved second in stoppage time. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026 This 10-day South Bay festival marking its 18th year jams in an expansive selection of shorts — from documentaries to narratives — and gives newbie and veteran filmmakers working in various genres a much deserved spotlight. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 4 Sep. 2026

Verb

Which would entail the young girl acceding to a reality in which women sometimes deserved to be tortured to death. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 Thunberg, who rose to fame as a teenage protester against climate change but has since broadened her activism, said the French pupils deserved wider support. — Reuters, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deserved

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserved

Adjective

The Mississippi attorney general’s office said its review found the fatal shooting was a justified use of force.

— Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Crump on Monday pointed out that authorities have yet to release video footage of the encounter to support the attorney general's finding that the shooting was a justified use of force.

— SOPHIE BATES, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of justified

Verb

The quarterback Mike Macdonald has earned his paychecks from making quarterbacks uncomfortable.

— Sam McDowell October 25, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
On every floor, display cabinets overflow with magic wands, sparkly hats, silk scarves, handcuffs, dice, Rubik's Cubes, toys, photographs and dozens of trophies earned by students in competitions all over the world.

— Julie Bourdin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of earned

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deserve

deserved

deserves

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Style

“Deserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserved. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deserved

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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