Synonyms

deem

American

[deem] / dim /

verb (used without object)

to form or have an opinion; judge; think.

He did not deem lightly of the issue.

verb (used with object)

to hold as an opinion; think; regard as.

He deemed it wise to refuse the offer.

Synonyms:

believe, hold, consider

deem British

/ diːm /

verb

(tr) to judge or consider

I do not deem him worthy of this honour

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of deem

First recorded before 900; Middle English demen, Old English dēman; cognate with Gothic dōmjan, Old High German tuomen; doom

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.

Napster forever changed the music industry even though its business model was ultimately deemed illegal.

From The Wall Street Journal

It can take up to a year before they are deemed fit for release back into warmer waters.

From BBC

Under federal law, employees may work during a shutdown only if their jobs are deemed essential or are funded outside the annual appropriations process.

From The Wall Street Journal

And yet, one is being hailed a trailblazer, while the other is deemed a traitor.

From BBC

The largest impact this shutdown might have is on airline travel with 95 percent of TSA employees deemed essential workers.

From Salon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023