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 communities hit hardest when a college shuts its doors deserve an educational system designed for them and for the economy of today.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

But more often, Moore has the grit and tenacious determination that it takes to deserve the mother title.

From Salon • May 10, 2026

"To avoid this collision course the government needs to step up and deliver the properly funded education system our children and young people deserve."

From BBC • May 9, 2026

But now that two of her children are teenagers, she believes they deserve more freedom from her—and vice versa.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

I guess I deserve her hating me more than anybody.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

Vocabulary lists containing deserve

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Schooled

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