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
Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
In fact, his head coach, JJ Redick, believes that Luka is fully deserving of the award based on specific criteria.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Malina Saval, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2026
The Institute is designed to support emerging equity-deserving filmmakers and screen creatives across British Columbia and Canada.
—Ed Meza, Variety, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deserving
Adjective
In the 1980s and 1990s, the figure of the addict abruptly shifted from being considered deserving of medical treatment to being seen as an emblem of incurable criminality.
—Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
In fact, his head coach, JJ Redick, believes that Luka is fully deserving of the award based on specific criteria.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
Yes, Sullivan is certainly deserving of a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
—Malina Saval, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2026
The Institute is designed to support emerging equity-deserving filmmakers and screen creatives across British Columbia and Canada.
—Ed Meza, Variety, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deserving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserving
Adjective
-
With Boston not quite looking sharp and Denver trailing Minnesota in its series, the Spurs are a logical and worthy second team in the odds behind Oklahoma City to win the NBA title.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
-
The lighting in the bathroom is perfect for getting ready or an Instagram-worthy shot, and the deep soaking tub beckons relaxation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Hawks carried that hot play into the playoffs, earning back-to-back one-point victories in Games 2 and 3 to take a 2-1 series lead.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
-
Prior to founding Serenade, Penn spent the past decade as co-founder and CEO of The Department of Motion Pictures and has produced or executive produced more than 20 films, earning credits at Sundance, Telluride, and Cannes.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In those situations, eligibility rules are viewed as non-meritorious and undermining a competitive market for teams to buy players’ services.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
6 Apr. 2026
-
He has been recognized six times by the Police Department for excellent and meritorious police duty, according to the NYPD’s website.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Here are The Denver Post’s 20 best fits remaining for the Broncos through rounds four, five, six, seven and beyond, if Denver indeed wants to have a good day Saturday.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Just being able to be available every single day and also just bring energy and be a good clubhouse guy.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deserving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserving. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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