MERIT Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

merit 1 of 2

noun

ˈmer-ət

Definition of merit

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

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

merit

2 of 2

verb

as in to deserve

to be or make worthy of (as a reward or punishment) that selfless act of heroism merited a public ceremony to honor the young swimmer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Noun

By Saturday evening, Gakpo had been convinced about the merits of joining City and had agreed terms, meaning the Ndiaye interest was put on the back burner. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Polite, slightly puzzling debates over the merits of using concrete in Africa muffle the period’s scalding passions and incandescent dreams. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2026

Verb

But for other council members, the distinction speakers drew between synthetic and non-synthetic kratom products merited more information before making a final decision. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 One other significant finding that Mitchell said merits further investigation is an area of red discoloration on tissue at the back of Wells' head by the occipital bone. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for merit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit

Noun

Benton holds a unique distinction in baseball history as the only pitcher to face both Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle.

— Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
The distinction matters because older Claude models showed limited ability to support sophisticated biological research.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of distinction

Noun

Republicans and Democrats alike have faced anger from voters anxious about the impact a data center built in their community will have on utility bills, property values, and quality of life.

— Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2026
SpaceX got the rest of the contracts, with 22 launches booked on Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets for a total value of $4 billion.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of value

Verb

Linking with Jorgen Strand Larsen and Yeremy Pino — the Spain international deserved an assist for an exquisite outside-of-the-boot pass earlier on — Anan Khalaili made a fine third-man run at the end of a dozen passes.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
There should be no information shared with that committee that does not deserve the light of day shone brightly upon it.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of deserve

Noun

Galatasaray squandered a 5-2 first-leg lead against Juventus in last season’s knockout play-off round, despite having a man advantage for most of the game.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Podded propulsion offers particular advantages in this environment.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of advantage

Noun

With so many of the buildings downtown with any kind of historic architectural significance already under landmark protections, Berman has shifted his focus to preserving properties with some kind of social importance.

— David Freedlander, Curbed, 11 Sep. 2026
Ayari’s importance to Hurzeler is undiminished so far this season.

— Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of importance

Noun

When late summer rolls around, Taylor Fritz joins a chorus of Americans in extoling the virtues of hard courts and talking about how the North American swing is his favorite time of year.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Though eventually abandoned due to cost, this system of surveillance endeavored to equate producers with virtue.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of virtue

Noun

Maybe playing in the friendly confines of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium will spur Manning to excellence against a national title contender.

— Jace Evans, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
But a wider-view ambition keeps alive the recent level of excellence that qualified the Chiefs for membership in the club reserved for dynasties.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of excellence

Browse Nearby Words

meridians

merit

merited

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Style

“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of merit

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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