Deserving synonym,synonyms of deserving

1. Meritorious

Similarities

• “Deserving” and “meritorious” both convey the idea that a person or thing has qualities or has done something that makes them worthy of a particular response, such as praise, reward, or consideration. For example, a student who has worked extremely hard throughout the semester, achieving high grades in all their courses, can be described as both deserving and meritorious of recognition, perhaps in the form of an academic award. In both cases, the individual's efforts or achievements are being acknowledged as worthy of a positive outcome.

Differences

• “Meritorious” often has a more formal and somewhat elevated connotation. It is commonly used in more official or serious contexts, such as in academic, legal, or military settings. When something is described as meritorious, it implies that it has reached a high standard of excellence or has made a significant contribution. For example, a soldier who has shown extraordinary bravery in combat, risking their life to save their comrades, may be commended for their meritorious service. The term “meritorious” here emphasizes the high level of achievement and the significance of the soldier's actions.
• “Deserving,” on the other hand, is a more general and versatile term that can be used in a wide range of contexts, from everyday conversations to more formal discussions. It is less specific about the nature or degree of the worthiness. A person can be described as deserving of something based on a variety of factors, such as their need, their efforts, or their past experiences. For example, a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet may be seen as deserving of financial assistance from the government or from charitable organizations. In this case, the person's deservingness is based on their need, rather than on a specific achievement or contribution.

2. Worthy

Similarities

• “Worthy,” “deserving,” and “meritorious” all share the fundamental concept of indicating that a person, thing, or action has qualities that make it appropriate to receive a certain treatment, whether it's positive (like praise or reward) or negative (like blame or punishment). For instance, a non - profit organization that has dedicated years to helping underprivileged communities can be described as worthy, deserving, or meritorious of support from donors. All three terms are used to convey the idea that the organization has earned the right to receive such support through its efforts and contributions.

Differences

• “Worthy” has a broader and more general connotation compared to “meritorious.” It can refer to a wide range of qualities or characteristics that make something or someone appropriate or fitting for a particular situation or treatment. For example, a book can be described as worthy of reading if it has engaging characters, a well - crafted plot, and offers valuable insights or entertainment. In this case, the term “worthy” is used to indicate that the book has qualities that make it a suitable choice for reading.
• “Worthy” can also be used in a more subjective sense, depending on the context and the speaker's perspective. For example, someone might say “That cause is worthy of our support,” based on their personal beliefs, values, or emotional connection to the cause. In this case, the term “worthy” is used to express the speaker's opinion that the cause has qualities that make it deserving of support, even though others may have different opinions.
• In contrast to “worthy,” “meritorious” has a more objective and specific connotation. It is typically used to describe something or someone that has achieved a high level of excellence, made a significant contribution, or demonstrated exceptional qualities in a particular field or area of activity. For example, a scientist who has made a groundbreaking discovery in their field may be recognized for their meritorious work. The term “meritorious” here emphasizes the objective nature of the scientist's achievement and the high level of excellence that has been demonstrated.

3. Entitled

Similarities

• “Entitled” and “deserving” can both relate to the idea that someone has a claim to something. When a person is deserving of a reward, it means they have earned it through their actions or qualities. Similarly, when someone is entitled to something, they have a legitimate claim, often based on rules, laws, or an agreement. For example, an employee who has worked a certain number of years may be entitled to a pension. In a similar vein, a volunteer who has dedicated a significant amount of time to a charity may be deserving of recognition. In both cases, there is a sense that the person has a justifiable claim to something.

Differences

• “Entitled” often has a more formal, legal, or contractual basis for the claim. It is determined by external factors such as laws, regulations, or written agreements. For example, a consumer is entitled to a refund if a product they purchased is defective, based on consumer protection laws. The entitlement is clear - cut and based on the existing legal framework.
• “Deserving,” on the other hand, is more subjective and based on personal judgment, values, or the perception of someone's efforts or qualities. What one person may consider deserving, another person may not. For example, a person who believes in the importance of hard work may think that a colleague who has put in long hours on a project is deserving of a promotion. However, someone else may place more value on other qualities such as leadership or creativity and may not consider the same colleague as deserving of the promotion. Additionally, “deserving” can be used in a broader range of contexts, including those that are not necessarily related to formal rights or claims, such as when we say someone is deserving of love, respect, or friendship.