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."
Synonyms
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
Schools should only allow access as specified if the order is deemed valid.
—
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
People deemed to have valuable skills can apply for temporary or permanent employment visas, although in many cases there are years-long waits for such visas.
—Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2025
What This Means For You Trump's executive order blocks federal funding and support for youth gender-affirming care, which is deemed safe, effective, and medically necessary by major medical associations.
—Daphne Lee, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2025
Beginning in 1907, these women — deemed typhoid carriers — were imprisoned in the former psychiatric hospital, their lives shaped by fear, stigma, and medical injustice.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deem 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
People deemed to have valuable skills can apply for temporary or permanent employment visas, although in many cases there are years-long waits for such visas.
—Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2025
What This Means For You Trump's executive order blocks federal funding and support for youth gender-affirming care, which is deemed safe, effective, and medically necessary by major medical associations.
—Daphne Lee, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2025
Beginning in 1907, these women — deemed typhoid carriers — were imprisoned in the former psychiatric hospital, their lives shaped by fear, stigma, and medical injustice.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deem
Dictionary Entries Near deem
Cite this Entry
“Deem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deem. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
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