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
Joe Reid, Vulture, 2 Aug. 2025
The homeowner, however, viewed that as a retaliatory move by Waldrop and said the lien claim had no merit.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Aug. 2025
AFAR Media, 29 July 2025
For appliances that do merit a spot on the countertop, like the coffee maker or toaster, try putting them on a tray.
—Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
Wins for Dexter in 2010 (for the season-four finale — the one with the bathtub) and Atlanta in 2017 (for the episode about a fictional Black American TV network) felt like voters responding to the merits of strong individual episodes rather than overall hype and buzz.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 2 Aug. 2025
The homeowner, however, viewed that as a retaliatory move by Waldrop and said the lien claim had no merit.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
Stay in Ireland’s historic Dromoland Castle Hotel Ireland’s proud history of warm, welcoming village pubs and hearty, rustic cuisine complements a refined side that merits exploration as well.
—AFAR Media, 29 July 2025
For appliances that do merit a spot on the countertop, like the coffee maker or toaster, try putting them on a tray.
—Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
This is really the distinction between Maslow’s self-actualization and self-transcendence.—
Arianna Huffington,
Time,
8 Aug. 2025
-
His second wife, rich and vulgar, is the polar opposite of the first duchess’s distinction, just as Paracelsus’s elegant opacity is a better version of the paltry resident magician and alchemist whom the duke can afford.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
While vehicle theft claims don’t distinguish between full vehicle versus partial theft, the report's methodology considered the monetary value lost as result of the theft.—
Stuart Dyos,
USA Today,
18 Aug. 2025
-
The Detroit native’s willingness to collaborate with the popular skincare brand was directly tied to his wife’s affinity for the brand as well as its alignment with his own values.—
Kenneth J. Williams Jr,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
But let someone else be educator in chief and focus on other things people deserve, which is reading, literacy and wraparound services – and actual teachers who want to be in Oklahoma.—
Kayla Jimenez,
USA Today,
18 Aug. 2025
-
Tesla might be the poster child of the electric vehicle revolution, but the Nissan Leaf deserves equal credit for making EVs viable as everyday cars.—
James Morris,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Do rules reflect actual AI usage patterns among teens? Equity Access: Can all students access the same AI tools, or do policies create advantages for families with premium subscriptions?—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
-
The teams are ranked third and fourth in the Western Conference standings, with Minnesota holding a three-point advantage with 41 points.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The first gradient of importance is the difference between skin temperature (93 F) versus the core (98.6 F), a gradient of 5.6 degrees Fahrenheit.—
Bryant Stamford,
The Courier-Journal,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Below is a long-term dividend history chart for TAP, which the report stressed as being of key importance.—
Dividend Channel,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
And both the book and the film offered historically nonsensical versions of the Klan as an honorable and chivalrous group fighting for social justice and the virtue of white womanhood.—
Jody Mamone,
Hartford Courant,
15 Aug. 2025
-
That might sound sadistic; indeed, sadism is something of a Hitchcockian virtue.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Just like in Formula One, great product teams know how to assemble excellence from across an ecosystem and focus their in-house muscle on what really moves the needle.—
Sal Rehmetullah,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Luke and his unit were honored with a challenge coin symbolizing leadership, excellence and service.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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