well-merited

Naturally, the picture was not perfect, but it well merited the flattering reception which it received.

This event gave Grace Darling the notoriety which her noble conduct so well merited.

Say no more; you refuse my aid; throw yourself, then, into the arms of the man who has already so well merited your confidence.

Then why should that "well-merited respect" be refused to them a month before the May opening of Burlington House?

He gave up the town to pillage and rapine, allowing the doing of such deeds as have consigned his name to well-merited infamy.