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
Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2026
This playful and comprehensive biographical documentary from director David Alvarado spends time with a deserving trailblazer whose name and accomplishments perhaps aren’t engraved in the American consciousness, but should be.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
There is capital available for deserving entrepreneurs, often deployed by quality investment firms like EQT, Northzone, and Creandum.
—Oscar Täckström, Fortune, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deserving
Adjective
All three have been long deserving of induction in the Hall.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2026
This playful and comprehensive biographical documentary from director David Alvarado spends time with a deserving trailblazer whose name and accomplishments perhaps aren’t engraved in the American consciousness, but should be.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
Before his assassination at age 39 on April 4, 1968, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate spent a decade giving fearless orations and profound insights that continue to inspire generations, all deserving attention and consideration.
—Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
There is capital available for deserving entrepreneurs, often deployed by quality investment firms like EQT, Northzone, and Creandum.
—Oscar Täckström, Fortune, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deserving
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deserving
Adjective
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Their coverage includes 116 medal-worthy events in 16 sports, some of which, like ski mountaineering, will be making their Olympic debut.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Valentine’s Day is all about reds and pinks, applied in whatever way feels swoon-worthy to you.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Liu surprised fans when retiring a month after earning a bronze medal at the ‘22 World Championships.—
Elliott Almond,
Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2026
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Indiana Senate passes under-the-radar provision scrapping 'low-earning' college degrees.—
Evan Frank,
IndyStar,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Too many courts for too long have avoided grappling with legitimate and meritorious challenges to election rules by dismissing cases on standing grounds.—
Ashley Lopez,
NPR,
14 Jan. 2026
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The award would recognize those nominated for bravery or meritorious awards under the existing Australian Honors and Awards system for their actions during and after the attack, according to The Associated Press.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
26 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, makeup artists think spring breakers will pack their best cushion-y, cloud lips instead of their icy alternatives.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
13 Feb. 2026
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Kansas City figured its best sales pitch centered on its facilities and its location in the heart of America.—
Sam McDowell
Updated February 13,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deserving.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deserving. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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