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
Lars Brandle, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025
Giving helpful notes with observations on the merits of the storytelling and the storyteller(s) — not so much.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025
Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
In the middle innings, the spotlight centered on Jacob Misiorowski, the 6-foot-7 rookie right-hander who merited an invitation to the All-Star Game this summer after only five starts.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
The initial judging process whittled down the longlist of 465 eligible albums to 50nominees, focusing on creative merit over mainstream popularity.
—Lars Brandle, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025
Giving helpful notes with observations on the merits of the storytelling and the storyteller(s) — not so much.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
Every last stitch feels considered on the collaboration penny loafer, and its overall top-quality design merits that $420 price tag… at least in our book.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
In the middle innings, the spotlight centered on Jacob Misiorowski, the 6-foot-7 rookie right-hander who merited an invitation to the All-Star Game this summer after only five starts.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
When counseling clients, financial advisors often draw a distinction between investing and speculation.—
Ryan Ermey,
CNBC,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Find the distinction in your relationships as Venus enters Libra.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Toys, even ones marketed as tools for the imagination, are never value neutral.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
16 Oct. 2025
-
But the Bernabeu hierarchy are well aware of the value of their club.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Every student deserves the chance to succeed, and that requires strong support systems and collaboration with teachers, families, and the community.—
Pioneer Press elections team,
Twin Cities,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Our staff deserves better, and this council deserves to be able to do its work without being dragged through endless theatrics and conspiracy theories.—
Hema Sivanandam,
Mercury News,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Packers should have the advantage in the contest, as Arizona backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett is set to start in Week 7 with Kyler Murray sidelined for a second consecutive game due to a foot sprain.—
Jordan Sigler,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Regardless, the Avs finished the second period with 30 shot attempts (after 29 in the first) and a two-goal advantage.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Raising awareness about the importance of mammograms and prepping patients for discomfort may help.—
Julia Landwehr,
Health,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Research on interpersonal warmth—which, alongside competence, accounts for roughly 82% of how people evaluate others—supports the importance of explicit positive communication.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Listening of this kind is a demanding civic art and civic virtue.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
13 Oct. 2025
-
That came by virtue of a career day from running back Rico Dowdle — who is facing his old team Sunday — and a defense that looked simply like a different team in the second half.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Given the excellence of the Dodgers’ rotation, the Brewers may feel pressure to create, well, pressure.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
14 Oct. 2025
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Hosted by award-winning actor, writer, and producer Aasif Mandvi, the milestone event is said to host a variety of leading filmmakers, industry professionals, and special guests for an evening celebrating excellence in documentary filmmaking.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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