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Definitions

deserve

[dih-zurv] / dɪˈzɜrv /
VERB
be entitled to
Synonyms
STRONGEST
earn gain get justify merit warrant win
STRONG
demand procure rate
WEAK
be given one's due be in line for be worthy of get comeuppance get what is coming to one have it coming have the right to lay claim to
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fail forfeit lose miss pass spend

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor said her players "do not deserve that level of refereeing" after Arsenal's Katie McCabe avoided a red card for pulling Alyssa Thompson's hair during their Champions League quarter-final exit.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Military service is an honorable path, and those who risk their lives for their country deserve the highest level of respect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

No date for the report’s release has been set, leaving human rights advocates fearing the issues will not get the attention and funding they deserve.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

“Working families put a lot on the line when they take out a loan,” Rayfield said, “and they deserve lenders who treat them fairly and follow the law.”

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

“You earn straight As. You excel on all the state tests. You deserve better than we can currently offer you here at Riverview. You deserve to be at Sunny Brook.”

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.