DEMERIT Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

demerit

noun

di-ˈmer-ət

Definition of demerit

as in weakness

a defect in character my keyboarding has the advantage of speed but the demerit of inaccuracy

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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 demerit Kimi maxed out on demerits for handling of user data for training, while Copilot scored worst for direct handling of personalized data. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026 Lord’s had not previously accumulated any demerit points; the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have 14 days to appeal against the ICC’s sanction. — Paul Newman, New York Times, 9 June 2026 The biggest demerit on season 27 would be the White Locust twist. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026 After a long ride to Maryland in a honey vat, Garth is able to sneak Daisy back inside the school with only a demerit for smoking. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for demerit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demerit

Noun

McDaniel has shown the ability to scheme around offensive line weakness.

— Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Their failure to receive one may be attributed to their having vague symptoms, such as a general feeling of malaise, weakness, or fluctuating muscle pain.

— Jerome Groopman, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of weakness

Noun

After investigating 600 items of evidence related to the substation, the National Energy System Operator ruled out suspicious activity in a report saying a preventable moisture fault caused the fire, leaving almost 70,000 homes without power.

— Henry Austin, NBC news, 8 Sep. 2026
Others criticized them for often being the progeny of Asian mothers and white fathers, as though this were somehow their fault.

— E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of fault

Noun

Summaries of their sins and absurdities have now filled several books, but a sampler is instructive.

— Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026
Moro scored for Argentina from a free kick after a five meter scrum after Australia had defended stoutly with 14 men, with Harry Potter in the sin bin.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of sin

Noun

Being undefeated after a trio of difficult opening matches can only be seen as a positive, even if Newcastle’s obvious shortcomings require addressing if that run is to be prolonged.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Now, to the handwashing shortcomings, such as a cashier handling customer’s payment, then preparing drinks and serving plates of food to customers without washing hands (cash and payment cards tend to be germ motherships).

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of shortcoming

Noun

Putin dismissed the allegations, saying Berlin aims to distract from its own failings and dissatisfaction among voters.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Putin dismissed the allegations, saying Berlin wants to distract from its own failings and dissatisfaction among voters.

— Lorne Cook, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of failing

Noun

According to the brand, this treatment was designed to address hereditary factors, hormonal fluctuations, nutritional deficiencies, and stress.

— Carly Cardellino Vaccaro, InStyle, 5 Sep. 2026
The spotlight on Thompson’s deficiencies will shine even brighter once he’s getting paid north of $40 million per season.

— William Guillory, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of deficiency

Browse Nearby Words

dementia

demerit

demerits

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“Demerit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demerit. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of demerit

noun

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