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
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of merit
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 31 Jan. 2026
The boost is part of $776 million compensation investment that also includes annual merit planning and pay-range adjustments for this year.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2026
Colton Valentine, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
On-the-job safety comes to mind quickly, but consumer product safety merits attention.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
Each shot is composed with intention and elegance, and editor George Cragg demonstrates a keen understanding of which moments merit long, unbroken takes and when cuts are necessary.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 31 Jan. 2026
The boost is part of $776 million compensation investment that also includes annual merit planning and pay-range adjustments for this year.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
For the Sweden Democrats and their coalition, culture, like borders, merits strategic defense.
—Colton Valentine, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
On-the-job safety comes to mind quickly, but consumer product safety merits attention.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
The distinction is semantic, not economic.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Yeah, so the law has this long-standing distinction between what the lawyers would call prospective relief and retrospective relief.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Conservative nonprofit Turning Point USA created counter-programming to Bad Bunny’s Halftime Show performance that the organization says is more aligned with their values.—
Sandra Gonzalez,
CNN Money,
2 Feb. 2026
-
An extreme cold watch is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are possible.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This bipartisan, bicameral reform deserves quick passage so servicemembers and their families have a safe place to call home.—
JAMES HERRERA MONTEREY HERALD,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Thoughtful, not simplistic Complex problems deserve depth, nuance, and context.—
Daphne Koller,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The Cougars finished with four turnovers and held a 26-8 advantage in points in the paint.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Columbus blanked the Blackhawks on their two power-play chances, running their string of futility to 26 man-advantages and 10 games without a goal.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
During a 2024 cover story for The Hollywood Reporter, Ritchson discussed the importance of keeping his career success in perspective.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The master distiller also emphasizes the importance of heat cycling, a process Brown-Forman implemented in 1874 that mimics the changing seasons during the colder months to ensure maturation doesn’t stop.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
All the misunderstanding and virtue-clinging could stand down.—
Jerry Brewer,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Among alpaca’s virtues is its odor resistance.—
Scott Douglas,
Outside,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Provide support and structure, and excellence becomes possible again.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Darnold endured more growing pains during his rookie season but also showed flashes of excellence, including throwing three touchdown passes in a duel with Aaron Rodgers during an overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
