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
Sacbee.com, 9 July 2025
The magistrate stressed that her recommendation is not a ruling on the merits of the case or on facts disputed by the parties.
—ABC News, 7 July 2025
Leonora Epstein, Architectural Digest, 7 July 2025
Trump would need to get buy-in from the courts and Congress, and the voters, who would have to weigh whether his performance during his second term and his health at 82 years on Inauguration Day 2029 — an age older than Joe Biden was as president — merited another four years in office.
—Louis Jacobson, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
As part of its appellate strategy, the Trump administration did not ask the court to rule on the merits of the executive order itself.
—Sacbee.com, 9 July 2025
The magistrate stressed that her recommendation is not a ruling on the merits of the case or on facts disputed by the parties.
—ABC News, 7 July 2025
Verb
But in the case of designer Rob Johansen’s recent renovation of a palatial seven-story 1899 town house on the Upper East Side, the timeless stamp is merited.
—Leonora Epstein, Architectural Digest, 7 July 2025
Trump would need to get buy-in from the courts and Congress, and the voters, who would have to weigh whether his performance during his second term and his health at 82 years on Inauguration Day 2029 — an age older than Joe Biden was as president — merited another four years in office.
—Louis Jacobson, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
This distinction allows for protocols that satisfy technical requirements while addressing privacy concerns through meaningful limitations on what data will actually be examined.—
Lars Daniel,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
This distinction means that complexes like Gabriel House are subject to a different inspection, certification and regulatory process than Massachusetts nursing homes.—
Jared Kofsky,
ABC News,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Even so, there’s a couple reasons Agyemang could still improve his value despite his somewhat advanced age of 24 in soccer terms.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
Finally, there is a potential hidden artificial intelligence value here.—
Kenneth Squire,
CNBC,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
Target $130 $70 (46% off) Walmart In the world of USB microphones, Blue’s Yeti deserves a place on Mt. Rushmore.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
12 July 2025
-
But that’s still better than nothing, and these lawmakers deserve credit for persisting in shining a light on this very dark, still-emerging chapter of our state’s history.—
Steve Bousquet,
Sun Sentinel,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
With the advantage of a year in the NBA in his favor, Buzelis showed a much higher ability to handle the ball in traffic.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
12 July 2025
-
Kansas State has beaten the Jayhawks 16 straight times, but Missouri owns a razor-thin advantage in the Border War.—
Blake Toppmeyer,
The Tennessean,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
The issue was of great importance to the late Princess of Wales during what proved to be the final year of her life.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
15 July 2025
-
The film covers the history and importance of political cartoons in global democracies, as well as the decline in the profession and in the newspaper industry.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
High-net-worth individuals, particularly business owners, professionals and investors, often face elevated exposure to legal risk simply by virtue of their visibility and success.—
Blake Harris,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Just by virtue of being president, Trump has bolstered this belief of mine.—
Carlo Versano,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Prime Development and Crestwood Custom Homes bring decades of experience and a reputation for excellence to every home.—
Prime Development,
Kansas City Star,
20 July 2025
-
Everyone reveled in Jamal Murray’s playoff excellence en route to a championship.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share