Synonyms of deserved

deserved 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈzərvd 

as in justified

being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong

a well deserved promotion for a hard worker

Synonyms & Similar Words

• justified
• due
• merited
• proper
• suitable
• legal
• rightful
• legitimate
• appropriate
• competent
• fair
• just
• warranted
• right
• condign
• strict
• equitable
• meet
• correct
• fitting
• true
• applicable
• apt
• requisite
• accurate
• lawful
• fit
• impartial
• stringent
• uncompromising
• square
• rhadamanthine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unfair
• undeserved
• undue
• unjust
• unjustified
• unwarranted
• irrelevant
• incorrect
• improper
• unreasonable
• inappropriate
• unmerited
• partial
• unsuitable
• incoherent
• unjustifiable
• inapplicable
• unequal
• biased
• indefensible
• inequitable
• arbitrary
• unlawful
• irrelative
• inapt
• despotic
• illegitimate
• inapposite

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• earned
• merited
• entitled
• rated
• qualified

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of deserved

Adjective

The lead single off the Italian synth-pop project Baltimora’s debut LP has stalked our social media feeds in recent years, giving it a much deserved spotlight in absurd infamy. —Spin Editors, SPIN, 21 Jan. 2025

Democrats and Republicans would earn deserved gratitude from voters for advancing a recall process that gives it to them. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025

Verb

Fashion has taken a lot of heat — and much of it well deserved — for being focused too much on surface and not enough on substance. —Lily Templeton, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024

This book is true crime and a murder mystery at its finest because of the extensive investigations and lucid writing about the facts of this magnificent horse’s tragic death — a horse who deserved so much better. —Grrlscientist, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024