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
Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
For now, the Halligan appeal remains the clearest test case, and the administration seems dead-set on appealing it until the Supreme Court decides whether to consider the matter for a merits argument.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026
Judith Martin, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
The Cowboys and Pickens’ agent haven’t exchanged any contract offers to merit progress toward a new deal.
—Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
America is at its best when guided by enduring principles such as equal opportunity, freedom of speech, the rule of law, individual liberty, national sovereignty, merit, freedom of religion, and representative government.
—Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
For now, the Halligan appeal remains the clearest test case, and the administration seems dead-set on appealing it until the Supreme Court decides whether to consider the matter for a merits argument.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
As an occasional problem, this would merit a Disapproving Frown — which, for the record, is one step up from a Cold Stare, one step down from a Glare, and at least one step down from yelling, which is unacceptable.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
The Cowboys and Pickens’ agent haven’t exchanged any contract offers to merit progress toward a new deal.
—Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
The market is full of vehicles that blur the line between a traditional e-bike and something closer to a motorcycle, and manufacturers don’t always make the distinction easy to spot.—
Sarah Raza,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
-
This distinction was missing both from popular discourse, the academics felt, and from an influential definition of antisemitism associated with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which lists numerous examples of antisemitism related to criticism of Israel.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The median monthly rent and home value are $1,891 and $376,723, respectively.—
Chase Jordan
March 30,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
-
But Trump’s election proved that a sizable contingent of the population had no problem imposing their values on others—and even hoped that the government might do so for them.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
That grandmother in Edgewood deserves to keep her heat on without fear.—
Andre Johnson Jr,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Mar. 2026
-
To stand around collecting a paycheck when the ones who deserve the money are TSA agents who know what the job entails?—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Defending Houston Open champion Min Woo Lee and Michael Thorbjornsen are both at 12-under 198 through three rounds, meaning Woodland, at 18-under, has a 6-stroke advantage over the third-place golfers.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Led by McKenney and Gayle, the Wolverines (34-3) enjoyed a 33-6 advantage in bench points.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Heat stroke is a serious emergency and time is of the utmost importance when treating it.—
Brad Stulberg,
Outside,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The more complex the AI workload is, the more RAM is required to host and run the AI model, which makes memory capacity of paramount importance.—
Michael Justin Allen Sexton,
PC Magazine,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Arthur Brooks, in particular, has made a career of elevating his noncommittal waffling into a warped kind of virtue.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Huckleberry Finn provided Jim with courage, dignity, and virtue.—
Gabrielle Bellot,
Literary Hub,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The standard in Storrs is only excellence.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Boston College alumni and fans will find our program defined by a standard of excellence, and our team will play an unselfish, tough, and highly competitive brand of basketball.—
Greg Dudek,
Boston Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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