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.

This may all seem understandable—people want to know if what they’re reading was generated by a bot, and some argue they deserve to know.

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

“Pieces like this deserve to be presented properly, and be in spaces that reflect the caliber of the clothing,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

“They played great defense, they won the game. They deserve it. They scored 43 points in the fourth quarter.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

"These families might not have two pennies to rub together but they still deserve a dignified life," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

“It doesn’t mean you deserve only bad things.”

From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly

Vocabulary lists containing deserve

"Macbeth" Vocabulary from Act I

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Schooled

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History is made in PA: Clinton's DNC Acceptance Speech

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