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.

The European capital markets also deserve more attention.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

"Parents deserve independent confirmation that the moderation is sufficient, that help systems are effective, and that age checks aren't used for commercial profiling."

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Fix the damn fountain already, not because the Olympics are coming in two years, but because 4 million residents deserve better right now.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

“People who struggle with their gender identity deserve compassion, sensitivity, and respect,” the lawsuit says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

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

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

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