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
Relevance
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deserving
Brian Evans, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2025
That’s the mark of a public servant who brings intellectual depth to his role, not someone deserving of childish attacks.
—Aegis Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 21 Aug. 2025
Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025
Some would argue the NCAA has shown problems complying with antitrust law and thus isn’t deserving of an exemption.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deserving
Adjective
CrowdStrike could be deserving of investor attention this week as all eyes are on Nvidia, according to MJP Wealth Advisors chief investment officer Brian Vendig.
—Brian Evans, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2025
That’s the mark of a public servant who brings intellectual depth to his role, not someone deserving of childish attacks.
—Aegis Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
And while deserving to be invited there is one thing, belonging at the top table is quite another.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025
Some would argue the NCAA has shown problems complying with antitrust law and thus isn’t deserving of an exemption.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deserving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserving
Adjective
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With roughly 180 resorts spread across its atolls, there are dozens of worthy five-star escapes to choose from.—
Katie Lockhart,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
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Documenting that time of a young independent Africa is certainly a worthy endeavor, even though the film never discusses the artistic and moral merits of these documentaries.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Notably, that was considerably more than his boss was earning as a House member, $174,000.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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The craft seller at a roadside market is earning her independence.—
Daniel Scheffler,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The Medal of Freedom, established in 1963, is awarded to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural or other significant public endeavors.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
3 Sep. 2025
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In February 2025, the proposal was recommended for funding, meaning it had been rated highly meritorious through peer review by leading scientists, was prioritized by NSF program staff, and only required final administrative approval to be awarded.—
John Drake,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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All of the cats who tested this litter adjusted to it quickly and easily — some even had a little play date in their box, kicking and scratching, which is a good sign!—
Kayla Blanton,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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Leisure’s best new hotels of 2021, Wander the Resort offers 10 luxurious glass-and-timber cabins along the quiet northern shores of West Lake.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deserving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserving. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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