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.

They read Wong Kim Ark and other sources as having incorporated British common-law doctrine deeming anyone born in the British Empire a subject of the crown.

From The Wall Street Journal

The measures do not apply to government workers in sectors deemed essential, including health care, security, energy, and water and food supply.

From Barron's

The German added both "wanted desperately" to play in Tuesday's friendly against Japan, but that the risk of making their issues worse was deemed "way too big" after a medical assessment by the national team.

From BBC

As first reported by the Mirror, the investigation which began in 2016 was dropped in 2019 after the CPS deemed there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.

From BBC

Since then, thousands of federal employees have been placed on unpaid leave, while those deemed essential are working without pay.

From Barron's

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