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
Andrea Hsu, NPR, 16 May 2025
In particular, the prevalence of vulnerabilities in manageability interfaces and the criticality of privileged access merits strong segmentation of these interfaces.
—Yuriy Bulygin, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Lee Billings, Scientific American, 7 May 2025
Ed Obayashi, a Modoc County sheriff’s deputy and special prosecutor who trains law enforcement on search and seizure policies, said the initial police responses to both cases merited further examination.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
After some back and forth involving emergency motions at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court stepped in on April 9, with Chief Justice John Roberts issuing an order clearing the way for Wilcox and Harris to be removed again until the merits of their cases could be considered.
—Andrea Hsu, NPR, 16 May 2025
In particular, the prevalence of vulnerabilities in manageability interfaces and the criticality of privileged access merits strong segmentation of these interfaces.
—Yuriy Bulygin, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
Such uncontrolled reentry events are relatively common and rarely merit much notice.
—Lee Billings, Scientific American, 7 May 2025
Ed Obayashi, a Modoc County sheriff’s deputy and special prosecutor who trains law enforcement on search and seizure policies, said the initial police responses to both cases merited further examination.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
This distinction is more urgent than ever as AI makes surface-level content alarmingly easy to produce.—
Rhea Wessel,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
-
That distinction unequivocally belongs to Scheffler, who revealed why that is the case after his PGA Championship victory.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
Noun
-
Rising real estate values and increasing development also drove up costs.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
-
When traditional assets encounter declines, alternatives may retain their value or even appreciate, reducing overall portfolio volatility.—
Fred Hubler,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
Her district deserves effective representation, and the city deserves a Council that leads with integrity.—
Erin Murphy,
Boston Herald,
13 May 2025
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By attacking not only his personal enemies but the lawyers who represent them, Trump is stating loud and clear that people who disagree with him don't deserve the same legal rights as the people who do.—
Aron Solomon,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
Minnesota trailed at halftime thanks to a 25-15 advantage for the Warriors on the glass and a 17-8 lead in free throws made.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
-
The researchers found that the flamingos use the motion of water to their advantage, combining techniques to funnel water—and the invertebrates within it—to their mouths.—
Sara Hashemi,
Smithsonian Magazine,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
Fort Worth is at a crucial moment for growth and opportunity, Parker said, stressing the importance of leading with smart policies that ensure the city thrives into the future.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 May 2025
-
Rare earth misread Beijing could be overestimating the importance of rare earth minerals to the Trump administration, said Dennis Wilder, a former senior White House intelligence official.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
And as someone who is trying to make an NFL roster or practice squad, that’s an immense virtue.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
12 May 2025
-
The president recognized a perfect nominee for the times: a brilliant jurist who represented the best of American virtues and exhibited no vices or controversial positions on judicial issues (as had Bork three years earlier).—
Barbara A. Perry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 May 2025
Noun
-
She was selected as one of just 100 high school seniors across San Diego County to receive this honor, recognizing her academic excellence and leadership.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 May 2025
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Named in honor of legendary artist and educator David C. Driskell, the prize has become a benchmark of excellence in the field.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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