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."
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
Thomas was deemed the best fit given his strong metrics across the board.
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Kansas City Star, 28 Dec. 2025
All of the schools identified as having problems have been inspected and deemed safe, according to Milwaukee Public Schools.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 2025
Other cities around the country deemed more cost-friendly for minimum-wage workers include Los Angeles, New York City, Washington, Miami, Seattle, Denver and Chicago.
—Samuel O'Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Dec. 2025
Gifts deemed better suited for another organization are typically returned to the donor, while official presents automatically become part of the Royal Collection.
—Erin Hill, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 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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Kansas City Star, 28 Dec. 2025
All of the schools identified as having problems have been inspected and deemed safe, according to Milwaukee Public Schools.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 2025
Other cities around the country deemed more cost-friendly for minimum-wage workers include Los Angeles, New York City, Washington, Miami, Seattle, Denver and Chicago.
—Samuel O'Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Dec. 2025
Gifts deemed better suited for another organization are typically returned to the donor, while official presents automatically become part of the Royal Collection.
—Erin Hill, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deem
Cite this Entry
“Deem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deem. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
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