deem

verb

deemed; deeming; deems

transitive verb

: 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

intransitive verb

: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The legislation also specifies that a business could face multiple lawsuits over the same piece of material deemed obscene if more than one person decides to launch a case. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 But Tesla has not yet obtained permits in California for deployment of driverless vehicles there, and the company has not yet sold vehicles that are deemed safe to use without a person behind the wheel. Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025 Some of these thoroughfares are decidedly more visit-worthy than others, and USA Today recently deemed one main street the best in the county. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2025 For those deemed not a fit, send a respectful note that thanks them for visiting your booth, encourages them to stay connected or offers alternative opportunities or talent communities. Sherri Reese, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deem

Word History

Etymology

Middle English demen, from Old English dēman; akin to Old High German tuomen to judge, Old English dōm doom

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of deem was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Deem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deem. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

deem

verb
: to have an opinion : believe, suppose
deemed it wise to go slow

More from Merriam-Webster on deem

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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