merit 1 of 2

noun

ˈmer-ət How to pronounce merit (audio)
Definition of meritnext
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

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
In a statement, the campaign director for Protect Majority Rule did not mention its funding and touted the merits of the campaign. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026 Any request for public investment must be judged on the merits. — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026
Verb
Such failings merits more analysis but there is surely some truth in left back Ali Abdi’s comments after a 4-0 filleting by Japan in their second game. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 29 June 2026 And momentous enough to merit him a post-match kiss from Queen Máxima of The Netherlands, who along with King Willem-Alexander attended in honor of the autonomous constituent country within the Dutch Kingdom. — Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
  1. distinction
  2. value
  3. deserve
  4. advantage
  5. importance
  6. virtue
  7. excellence
Noun
  • The new bill has a broader base of legislative support and instead uses the preference distinction to incentivize hiring former convicts as opposed to the 15% quota.
    — Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
  • That distinction is beginning to blur, and Nvidia may be quietly dipping its toes in the water of optics for a scale-up.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 9 July 2026
Definition of distinction
Noun
  • ParaZero believes the platform can protect both moving vehicles and stationary high-value assets without adding the weight penalties associated with conventional protective structures.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
  • For years, African leaders have argued that value addition should apply to minerals, not just raw ore.
    — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of value
Verb
  • Every child deserves security, dignity, and a community that stands fiercely in their defense.
    — S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • Anyone speaking on camera under those circumstances, having given so much on the pitch, deserves a significant amount of leeway.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of deserve
Noun
  • The Red Sox tacked on two insurance runs in the seventh on Abreu’s sacrifice fly and Masataka Yoshida’s RBI single for a 7-3 advantage.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Good luck with that message in flyover country when the revolutionaries don’t enjoy the advantages of light-turnout primaries.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of advantage
Noun
  • Smith’s grandmother, Angela Perdew, emphasized the importance of fireworks safety when speaking with WMC.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
  • Advertisement The first inkling of recalibration came when tech bros suddenly started emphasizing the importance of taste.
    — Miranda Shanahan, Time, 10 July 2026
Definition of importance
Noun
  • In response, Capital One treats AI fluency as an organizational virtue, not an individual credential.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • The same amount of venality and virtue exists today as did back then, and so human nature just doesn’t change.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 July 2026
Definition of virtue
Noun
  • As public servants and the keepers of this institution, we are charged with helping a nation find understanding, hope, and clarity and as part of that duty, we are dedicated to excellence, reflection, and growth.
    — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026
  • As public servants and the keepers of this institution, we are charged with helping a nation find understanding, hope and clarity and as part of that duty, we are dedicated to excellence, reflection and growth.
    — Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 9 July 2026
Definition of excellence

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Cite this Entry

“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of merit for Spanish Speakers

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