deemed; deeming; deems
: to come to think or judge : consider
deemed it wise to go slow
those whom she deemed worthy
a movie deemed appropriate for all ages
: to have an opinion : believe
Did you know?
Originally, deem meant "to legally condemn." The word is still frequently used in contexts pertaining to the law but with the general meaning "to judge" or "to decide after inquiry and deliberation," as in "The act was deemed unlawful" or "The defendant is deemed to have agreed to the contract." Outside of the law, deem usually means simply "to consider."
Examples of deem in a Sentence
The principal will take whatever action she deems appropriate in this case.
I deem it fitting that we mark this solemn occasion with a day of prayer and thanksgiving.
Recent Examples on the Web
It can be used on the face and the body, and can also step in as a hand cream; plus, it’s deemed safe for the whole family to use.
—
Jenny Berg, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2025
If the construction or reconstruction is finished and your initial use of the structure starts after December 31, 2025, the expenditure is deemed made after that date, which will prevent you from claiming the credit.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Progress is being made in San Diego toward implementing a state law that gives local governments authority to reduce speed limits on roads contiguous to a business district and others deemed particularly unsafe for pedestrians and bicyclists.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
The stories of this character began with B. working for the U.S. government to fight the kind of battles deemed too dangerous for anyone else, in exchange for the knowledge of his existence and how to end his immortal life.
—EW.com, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deem
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Jenny Berg, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2025
If the construction or reconstruction is finished and your initial use of the structure starts after December 31, 2025, the expenditure is deemed made after that date, which will prevent you from claiming the credit.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Progress is being made in San Diego toward implementing a state law that gives local governments authority to reduce speed limits on roads contiguous to a business district and others deemed particularly unsafe for pedestrians and bicyclists.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
The stories of this character began with B. working for the U.S. government to fight the kind of battles deemed too dangerous for anyone else, in exchange for the knowledge of his existence and how to end his immortal life.
—EW.com, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deem
Cite this Entry
“Deem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deem. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.
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