1
as in distinction
a quality that gives something special worth
this mystery novel at least has the merit of an original plot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in value
the relative usefulness or importance of something as judged by specific qualities
that idea has some merit, so let's explore it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of merit
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
23 June 2026
Many sophisticated investment and tax strategies can have real merit.
—
Nathaniel Tilton,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Letters To The Editor,
Hartford Courant,
15 June 2026
The company said that these AI models are powerful enough to merit strict safety guardrails to prevent malicious or dangerous use.
—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
Researchers hope the model will help prioritize which of these planets merit follow-up observations.
—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
23 June 2026
Many sophisticated investment and tax strategies can have real merit.
—
Nathaniel Tilton,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Verb
Such petulance does not merit responsible high public office.
—
Letters To The Editor,
Hartford Courant,
15 June 2026
The company said that these AI models are powerful enough to merit strict safety guardrails to prevent malicious or dangerous use.
—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
There's an important distinction between a role being loved by fans and a role being loved by the actress who played her, however.
-
That distinction belonged to William McChesney Martin, who served from 1951 until early 1970.
Noun
-
The surest way to move the fastest, have the greatest impact and capture the most value is to vertically integrate and execute on the full value chain end-to-end.
-
By 58% to 42%, those surveyed said Americans were mostly separated by different values, not bound by shared ones.
Verb
-
The majority of Americans, who are neither far right nor far left, deserve an accessible and convenient way to vote.
-
Our readers and our community deserve an open process.
Noun
-
Dalal said their son played there daily with his friends, taking advantage of a club policy that allows children under five to enter without a membership.
-
The comedian, 38, best known for his role as the acerbic gay best friend Elliott Goss in HBO’s Search Party, chose our meeting place to take advantage of the balmy late-May weather and to say goodbye to the neighborhood.
Noun
-
Kerigan Coates, who's studying neuroscience at the University of San Diego, received a scholarship and the inspiration to keep educating people about the importance of mental health.
-
Just days after Bode's arrest, Morgan reshared two Instagram Stories from midwife Lindsey Meeheis, reminding parents about the importance of water safety to mark the 8th anniversary of Emeline's death.
Noun
-
Light and Breezy One of the many virtues of the ’60s shift is its simplicity.
-
Understanding character and how potential virtues can manifest as vices is a starting point; however, knowing is not enough.
Noun
-
There’s no doubt that Damien safety Gavin Williams, a USC commit, will be the standard for excellence this coming season.
-
Messi’s excellence aside, Algeria held up fairly well against Argentina, at least on the stat sheet.
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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