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
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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of deserving
Jamie Lee Curtis, IndieWire, 4 Dec. 2024
Disappointed for Wheeler who continues to dominate year after year without a CYA to show for it, but no complaints about Sale winning the award--completely deserving after an outstanding season.
—David O'Brien, The Athletic, 20 Nov. 2024
Ben Morse, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024
Scott’s performance is being hailed by this writer and many others as the finest performance of her career, reigniting the debate around horror movies deserving more awards recognition.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for deserving 
Adjective
There was no one more deserving of that opportunity than Pamela Anderson.
—Jamie Lee Curtis, IndieWire, 4 Dec. 2024
Disappointed for Wheeler who continues to dominate year after year without a CYA to show for it, but no complaints about Sale winning the award--completely deserving after an outstanding season.
—David O'Brien, The Athletic, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
There are three main candidates for the accolade, all of whom would be deserving in their own right.
—Ben Morse, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024
Scott’s performance is being hailed by this writer and many others as the finest performance of her career, reigniting the debate around horror movies deserving more awards recognition.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for deserving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserving
Adjective
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Ending the pursuit of Haim would be a worthy message to the nation and to Harmeet Dhillon’s Civil Rights Division subordinates that there’s a new sheriff in town.The Editors, National Review, 13 Dec. 2024
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Justin Gregory Faux Leather Gloves A quality pair of gloves is a worthy investment in the winter.Clara McMahon, People.com, 1 Dec. 2024
Verb
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However, those earning status through Alaska Airlines or American Airlines can only use the lounge when traveling outside of North America.Chris Dong, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
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This means more people of color are earning a higher education, but few are opting to become teachers.Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Hegseth, a combat veteran, received two Bronze Stars, including a 2012 citation for meritorious service as a counterinsurgency instructor.Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 5 Dec. 2024
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He was first deployed by the National Guard to Guantánamo Bay in 2004, then volunteered to serve in Iraq, where he was awarded the first of two Bronze Stars for meritorious service.Sharon LaFraniere, New York Times, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Joe Buscaglia, Bills beat writer Rams survive Allen’s best ‘hero ball’ Throughout the first half, the Rams’ defense (and Buffalo’s game plan) made Allen look mortal.Tim Graham, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
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Plus, all of the pup's best and (hilariously worst) moments on set.Lauren Huff, EW.com, 8 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near deserving
Cite this Entry
“Deserving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserving. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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