deserving 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of deservingnext
as in worthy
having sufficient worth or merit to receive one's honor, esteem, or reward gifts donated to deserving children every Christmas

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

deserving

2 of 2

verb

present participle of deserve
as in earning
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 deserving
Adjective
Despite their apparent happiness, François takes a mistress (Marie-France Boyer) without remorse, setting in motion a tragedy that leaves its least deserving character the happiest. — Air Mail, 1 Aug. 2026 And no area is more deserving of these advancements, At-Large Commissioner Melissa Bynum said. — Sofi Zeman july 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Verb
Andric argued that former soccer players targeted by hooligans were indeed a social group deserving protection, but the judges didn’t buy it. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026 The most ubiquitous set of premium wireless earbuds, the Apple AirPods Pro, is also deserving of its popularity. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for deserving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserving
  1. worthy
  2. earning
  3. meritorious
  4. good
Adjective
  • The city of Chicago recently pursued a worthy effort to build affordable apartments on the West Side.
    — Harold Pollack, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • There must be aspirational elements, typically wealthy characters wearing Brunello Cucinelli while emotionally unraveling in Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchens.
    — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of worthy
Verb
  • Based loosely on the life and death of rock star Janis Joplin, The Rose made a movie star of Midler, earning her an Oscar nomination as well as one for co-star Frederic Forrest.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The revamp of Furness Hall will include 35 apartments for artists earning 60% to 80% of the area median income (AMI).
    — News Desk, Artforum, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of earning
Adjective
  • The process is highly competitive, and only the proposals deemed the most meritorious receive funding.
    — Felix V. Matos Rodriguez, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026
  • These are lawsuits that are not meritorious but are brought to any of harass, intimidate or retaliate against defendants for their exercise of their free speech and related rights.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of meritorious
Adjective
  • For the mostly Hispanic agriculture and food processing workers, the data center boom hasn’t been all good.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Villa’s recent warm-up defeat to Bayern Munich, though a 2-1 loss, will have offered a useful gauge of what facing elite opposition demands and should stand them in good stead for the level of intensity this game in Salzburg will require.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of good

Browse Nearby Words

deserves
deserving
desex
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Cite this Entry

“Deserving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserving. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on deserving

Nglish: Translation of deserving for Spanish Speakers

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