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.
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Recent Examples of merit
Adam Crafton, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
The movie's title and poster have become memes on social media, although some online circles have reappraised its merits in recent years.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Dana O'Neil, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Other than frustration at surging migration, Latin America has not merited the same level of attention in Washington as the Middle East, Europe or Asia in recent history.
—Elizabeth Shackelford, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
Yet Saturday’s game between the All Blacks, the world’s most famous international rugby team, and Ireland, whose supporters dominated the stands, offered Chicago a platform to remind the world of its merits.
—Adam Crafton, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
The movie's title and poster have become memes on social media, although some online circles have reappraised its merits in recent years.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
Adding in his time at Indiana, Curt Cignetti is 137-37 as a head coach, a pattern of sustained success that ought to merit attention.
—Dana O'Neil, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Other than frustration at surging migration, Latin America has not merited the same level of attention in Washington as the Middle East, Europe or Asia in recent history.
—Elizabeth Shackelford, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
Zhao drew a distinction between her latest work and her previous films.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Three Nashville restaurants earned One Michelin Star, while seven more earned Bib Gourmand distinctions among other recognition.—
Mackensy Lunsford,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Entry-level workers experiment freely and the C-suite sees strategic value, yet middle managers often struggle to bridge the gap.—
Feon Ang,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
-
In addition, people without insurance use less care, even high-value care, which can impact future health.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Andrew Bean, a researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute and another lead author of the study, concurred that even reputable benchmarks are too often blindly trusted and deserve more scrutiny.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
6 Nov. 2025
-
After all, your business deserves a fighting chance in a highly competitive, often-changing market.—
K.H. Koehler,
jsonline.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The work accomplished at Silent Swarm 2025, along with technology such as the TEEMS device, illustrates how the company is architecting the advantage for today’s performance and tomorrow’s success along the tactical edge.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Through two periods, Carolina had a 25-11 advantage in shots on goal.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
His next story was a video of University of Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule discussing the importance of mental health.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The growing importance of collision avoidance The US operates by far the most satellites in low Earth orbit, thanks largely to SpaceX’s Starlink constellation.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
In a sector where sustainability often stops at the label, this model carries the virtue of being both circular and selfless.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Just as personal vices can shape the course of an individual life, so too can national vices influence our collective experience, maybe as much as our virtues—or possibly even more.—
Dan Brooks,
The Atlantic,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Knighthoods, conferred by the sovereign, represent one of the highest forms of national recognition for service and excellence.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Justin’s heritage continues to inspire excellence.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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