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
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Recent Examples of merit
Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025
The same technology’s feasibility should also be assessed under different climate zones, and full life cycle assessments (cradle-to-grave) of GS are a necessity for a better understanding of the technology’s merits and limits, researchers noted.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
Belinda Luscombe, Time, 13 Oct. 2025
There are also a number of ornamental flowering annual plants that merit the potherb designation, and Calendula is usually the first on this list, accompanied by nasturtium and alyssum.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
That wide-eyed exclamation has been Reeves’s official trademark ever since, and its eternal adolescent naïveté has kept him from being properly judged on the merits of his work.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025
The same technology’s feasibility should also be assessed under different climate zones, and full life cycle assessments (cradle-to-grave) of GS are a necessity for a better understanding of the technology’s merits and limits, researchers noted.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
How can merit become a kind of tyranny?
—Belinda Luscombe, Time, 13 Oct. 2025
There are also a number of ornamental flowering annual plants that merit the potherb designation, and Calendula is usually the first on this list, accompanied by nasturtium and alyssum.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
Known for its rich, dark green coloring and full silhouette, this tree is native to the Appalachian Mountains and has the distinction of being the type of tree most often used as the official White House Christmas tree.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
20 Oct. 2025
-
During lean times like the Great Depression when ingredients were scarce and nothing went to waste, this distinction mattered.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
After evaluating nine different pairs for comfort, support, and value, the Hoka Mach 6 Sneakers proved to be the best for everyday wear.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
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Even more suggestive of charter value, Rick Ware and Legacy Motor Club have battled in court over the sale of a charter for $45 million.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
There is certainly one moral argument for taking games overseas, for saying that fans who follow their team from all corners of the world deserve to have their game and their heroes brought to them.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
And the coach and his pupils deserve blame, even if some of the calls were atrocious (the pass interference at the end of the Giants game on Riley Moss tops the list).—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez was dead against the idea, with his club arguing that breaking the traditional home and away format adulterated the competition, while also expressing concern over participating teams gaining a financial advantage.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Legalized betting has certain security advantages in that unusual betting patterns — such as large bets being placed on a random player’s performance — can be immediately flagged.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In the wake of the gambling scandal sweeping the NBA this week, the NFL sent out two memos — the subject of one was league and club staff, and the other was players — both obtained by The Athletic, to remind players, coaches and league personnel of the importance of adhering to its gambling policy.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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The images reminded him of the importance of travel and capturing the special moments and experiences along the way.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Syclone may not have been fully appreciated during its day, but today, more than 30 years later, enthusiasts have caught onto its major virtues.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
24 Oct. 2025
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Instead, the head of the Southern Baptist Convention now posits that empathy is an artificial virtue.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Therefore, when aiming for excellence, everyone must also work toward the same goal.—
Prof. Dr. med. Mazda Farshad,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
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Just as Sidney Poitier broke barriers with grace and purpose, these artists carry that same fire forward, redefining excellence, and reminding us that legacy is earned through courage and faith.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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