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Showing results for deserve. Search instead for deservi.
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.

Tomatoes deserve their time under the spotlight, especially in anticipation of National Fresh Tomato Day, which is on April 6.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

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

“You deserve better from Sacramento, and I’ll work with you to make sure we deliver it.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

"We don't deserve this, it's not fair. I'm sorry I couldn't make it happen," Gattuso said, eyes glistening, before retreating to the dressing room.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Feathers and Rubio deserve to have those memories of their families back too.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

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