Deserve - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT deserve /dɪˈzʌrv/ /dɪˈzʌv/ IPA guide

Other forms: deserved; deserves; deserving

We deserve things based on our actions. For example, many people believe murderers deserve the death penalty.

Deserve is used in many ways, but it always carries a sense of balance or justice. If someone receives an award for their work, it means they deserve praise and attention. If you deserve a day off, it means you've been working hard and have earned a vacation. If you threw a book during class, you deserve a punishment of some kind. Many laws — and lots of arguments — are about deciding what different people deserve. It's often hard to tell.

Definitions of deserve

verb be worthy or deserving “You deserve a promotion after all the hard work you have done” synonyms: merit see moresee less types: have it coming deserve (either good or bad) type of: be have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun)

Pronunciation US /dɪˈzʌrv/ UK /dɪˈzʌv/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘deserve'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing deserve

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The Shakespearean tragedy Macbeth is a play about the lengths one will go to satisfy his or her ambition and the consequences of one's desire (etext found here). Learn these word lists for each act: Act I, Act II, Act III, Act IV, and Act V.

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What happens when a homeschooled hippie suddenly has to navigate public middle school? Find out as you learn these words from Gordon Korman's funny and heartwarming novel.

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Hillary Clinton became the first woman to act as a major party's presidential nominee on July 28, 2016. Her speech was personal and political, both critical of her opponent and a case for why people should vote for her and not against someone else. Here are 50 words from Clinton's acceptance speech.

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