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
Tim Spiers, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026
The strategy, attorneys said, allows the government to avoid adjudicating the merits of immigration cases entirely.
—Ben Fenwick, Oklahoma Watch, 13 Feb. 2026
Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Don Juan Moore/Getty Images To get ahead of the issue, the Federal Aviation Administration has issued a ban on all drone flights over the Super Bowl, which has been classified by the federal government as a top special event that merits extensive interagency support.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
Social media has been full of Laegreid memes, while during Norway’s biggest radio debate show, two relationship experts discussed the merits of his confession.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026
The strategy, attorneys said, allows the government to avoid adjudicating the merits of immigration cases entirely.
—Ben Fenwick, Oklahoma Watch, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
A little skepticism could be merited now.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Don Juan Moore/Getty Images To get ahead of the issue, the Federal Aviation Administration has issued a ban on all drone flights over the Super Bowl, which has been classified by the federal government as a top special event that merits extensive interagency support.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
Different legal paths Although the four men were swept into the same investigation, their legal histories diverged — a distinction that will likely shape any effort to obtain restitution.—
Tony Plohetski,
Austin American Statesman,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The present moment may be witnessing a form of wholesale foreclosure, where the reading of books, and the practice of deep reading, may signal one’s class distinction.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
It was designed to be upgraded over time, demonstrating its long-term investment value.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
-
With each plaintiff loss, the value of future cases could decline, McNally said.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Judge Ji believed Yoon deserved a severe penalty for his martial law decree.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog, said Clark deserved a tougher punishment, including being barred from practicing law in the state.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Arkansas climbed to a double-digit advantage, leading by as many as 14 points with two minutes left.—
Maddie Hartley,
Kansas City Star,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Dr Amgad Rezk said the process offered significant advantages for industry, with an energy-efficient and scalable approach.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That’s definitely not the case with Sam Pollard’s film about Desmond Tutu, whose importance to the ending of apartheid in South African cannot be overstated.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Feb. 2026
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The proclamation comes during Black History Month and as Philadelphia prepares to mark the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026 — milestones supporters say highlight the importance of inclusion within longstanding civic traditions.—
Eva Andersen,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
When a collaborator brings me something made entirely with AI, that alone is neither a flaw nor a virtue.—
Michele Zanello,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2026
-
All this is particularly noteworthy in today’s era, where such leadership virtues are seemingly in decline, if not disappearing.—
Michael Peregrine,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For-profit and Miami-Dade County health care systems come to Broward not to achieve excellence in medical care, but in a desire to expand their footprint and enjoy profits.—
Arthur E. Palamara,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Feb. 2026
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Rooted in education and driven by innovation, CHI stands as a symbol of clean, bold beauty built on a legacy of excellence.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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