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

The fact that this song has connected with fans on its own merits, apart from any boost from an anime work, is notably different from the way other artists are usually received abroad. — Billboard Japan, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026 Part of what is driving that increase in wages is a 2% merit increase next year for all library staff other than the executive director. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Verb

Her place in the world seemed too insignificant to merit an audience. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 But with returns here easily worth hundreds and potentially thousands of dollars, this account still merits serious consideration now. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for merit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit

Noun

Upon completion, Ryan Field will have the dual distinction of being the most expensive and the smallest stadium, by seating capacity, in all of big-time college football.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2026
How a blood pressure wearable actually works Not every device on your wrist does the same thing, and for anyone weighing a switch from an arm cuff, the distinctions are critical.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of distinction

Noun

In response, retailers are adjusting their marketing approaches to target the value-conscious early holiday shopper as opposed to expecting to capture the consumer during a few peak shopping days throughout the holiday season.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
The exact terms of the PWHL’s loan, including the value of the league’s intellectual property, were not disclosed in the documents.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of value

Noun

For all its trials and tribulations, Chicagoland retains enviable advantages vis-a-vis other metro areas, but its growth over more than a decade seriously lags many of those peer regions.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
Morgan Suarez kicked a 46-yard field goal eight minutes later and added one from 32 yards to start the second quarter for a 13-0 advantage.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of advantage

Noun

The carrier’s return also highlights the continuing importance of maintenance and modernization in keeping large naval vessels operational decades after their commissioning.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
Doing so demonstrates that the company’s leader understands AI’s importance to the bottom line.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of importance

Noun

But the assumption that happiness and virtue should be systematically balanced is implied in every moral critique.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
Also, in producing more original films, which push the envelope on narrative or visuals, filmmakers are making a virtue out of a market necessity.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of virtue

Noun

In 2026, the Yankees went 48-41 without Judge in the lineup, buoyed by the pitching staff’s excellence.

— Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Related Stories Berger will receive the Evolution Vision Award, which recognizes narrative excellence reflecting the mission of building bridges between cultures and people.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of excellence

Browse Nearby Words

meridians

merit

merited

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of merit

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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