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
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 new Washington law restricts facial coverings for all federal, state and local law enforcement officers -- a key distinction intended to avoid claims of discrimination against federal officials.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 Mar. 2026
-
This distinction is rather simple.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Rules prohibit federal employees from soliciting or accepting gifts or items of monetary value greater than $20 if the gift is related to their government position.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Elementary, middle and high school students can register for Camp Haverim, where Jewish values, culture and traditions are celebrated through song, food, art and dance.—
Jessie Dax-Setkus,
Oc Register,
22 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
-
One of Lerner’s virtues as a writer is that his work resists this relentless gathering of data (news, text messages, posts), a gathering that’s both abundant and diffuse, and that, paradoxically, feels like a giving over of one’s mind and capacities to fuzzy abstraction.—
Hannah Gold,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Leo on Monday signed the decree attesting that Flanagan lived a life of heroic virtue.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Elite requires consistent excellence Pivetta, who debuted with the Phillies in 2017, threw at least six scoreless innings while allowing no more than one hit six times from 2019 through ‘24.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Mar. 2026
-
LeBron’s love for the game and for excellence must be celebrated.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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