vested

1 of 2

adjective

vest·​ed ˈve-stəd How to pronounce vested (audio)
Synonyms of vested
1
: fully and unconditionally guaranteed as a legal right, benefit, or privilege
the vested benefits of the pension plan
2
: having a vest
a vested suit

vested

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of vest entry 2

Examples of vested in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
With the pristine natural setting, every visitor is likely to feel a vested interest in supporting the brand’s eco-efforts. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 All of these awards became vested as of the close and will be paid no later than 60 days following. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026 Space within the ranks of the CCP itself has similarly constricted, with few now willing to consider reforms that might seriously affect the vested interests of entrenched social groups. — Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026 College administrators have too much vested interest in protecting the image of the institution. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vested

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vested was in 1766

Phrases Containing vested

Rhymes for vested

See All Rhymes for vested

Browse Nearby Words

Vestavia Hills
vested
vested interest
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vested.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vested. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Legal Definition

vested

adjective
vest·​ed ˈves-təd How to pronounce vested (audio)
1
: fully and absolutely established as a right, benefit, or privilege : not dependent on any contingency or condition
specifically : not subject to forfeiture if employment terminates before retirement
vested pension benefits
2
: having a vested interest
a vested employee
a vested beneficiary

More from Merriam-Webster on vested

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for vested

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of deportment

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All