The term 'deserves' can be broken down into three crossword solutions: RATES, EARNS, and MERITS. RATES refers to the amount of money someone is paid for a job or service. EARNS means to gain or acquire something through effort or work. MERITS is a term used to describe the qualities that make someone or something worthy of respect or admiration. All three words are related to the idea of deserving something, whether it be money, recognition, or respect.