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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of merit
Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
In an unexpected twist on Monday, Alito issued an extension of the temporary pause, giving him and his colleagues more time to decide on the merits of the case of whether to allow mifepristone to be sold online.
—Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 11 May 2026
George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2026
The Heat have done enough in recent years to merit the right to step back, reset, not desperately chase fool’s gold in the belief of seizing on the perception of a down conference.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
Climbing the salary ladder When Lopez was hired as Doral’s police chief in 2023, his starting salary was $199,000, with eligibility for up to 10% merit increases.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
In an unexpected twist on Monday, Alito issued an extension of the temporary pause, giving him and his colleagues more time to decide on the merits of the case of whether to allow mifepristone to be sold online.
—Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 11 May 2026
Verb
While no award was given for Loudest Constantly Yammering Audience at Any Awards Show Anywhere Ever, Wednesday’s sold out crowd of 1,350 certainly merited strong consideration for such a dubious distinction.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2026
The Heat have done enough in recent years to merit the right to step back, reset, not desperately chase fool’s gold in the belief of seizing on the perception of a down conference.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
This heroically eccentric diner draws no distinction between vegetarianism and hedonism.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
The settlement is also intended to maintain a credible distinction between college and pro sports.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
The question turned into an accidental personality test, exposing some of each artist’s values.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
18 May 2026
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Ryan Rollins was one of the only bright spots from Milwaukee’s season, providing great value as a playmaker and shooter who competes defensively and has a nose for the ball.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Alabama also deserves credit for a remarkable turnaround in math.—
Cory Turner,
NPR,
14 May 2026
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Redistricting shouldn’t leave people guessing, residents deserve clarity, access, and confidence in who represents them and how to engage with county government.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
For one thing, that extra speed—plus a spike in spin, which has allowed pitchers to throw harder while also making the ball swerve, dive, and kick—has given pitchers an even greater advantage over batters than before.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
Lennard scored a late touchdown in the second quarter and had a 6-0 advantage at halftime.—
Alex Kushel,
Sun Sentinel,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Palmer’s shot is well blocked by Marc Guehi — which underlines the importance of their decision-making in these moments.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
-
From 1949 to 1987, the Federal Communications Commission held radio and television stations to a standard requiring them to air opposing sides of public issues of importance, a policy known as the fairness doctrine.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Foxman thrived for decades in a political culture where the establishment still mattered, and extremism was not considered a virtue.—
Ron Kampeas,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2026
-
Sharon had submitted a dozen couplets about the virtues of stay-at-home motherhood, as well as a rhyming list of reasons to believe in God.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
Mental-health care works best when clinical excellence is combined with human understanding.—
Maria Bledsoe,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 May 2026
-
With his excellence metastasized in the spirit of Edwards and his Timberwolves, Wembanyama didn’t need to be masterful.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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