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

When the lawyers have more than professional merit at stake, the litigation becomes a mirror to reflect their personal crises. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026 Even if the business can prove that the claims being made against it are without merit, legal defense fees can still become costly. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Verb

Joshua Patric Foster, 38, wept Friday in Paphos District Court as Judge Froso Christodoulidou ruled a prison term was not merited. — Menelaos Hadjicostis, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 The analysts wrote earlier this year that Workday has demonstrated more resilience than expected, given the challenging environment, but did not show enough revenue growth to merit a valuation rethink. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for merit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit

Noun

But there is an important distinction between reporting a tragedy and allowing that tragedy to define an entire industry.

— Dennis Speigel, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
That distinction could make the approach relevant to weapons already in the Army’s inventory.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of distinction

Noun

Its practical value will depend on whether the systems can consistently handle varied components, operate at useful production speeds, and work reliably within existing factory infrastructure.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
This translates into infinitely many families of identities, one for every value of a.

— Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of value

Noun

Though 57% of voters say the Democratic Party does not have a clear vision for the future, Republicans hold no advantage in this category either, according to a CBS News poll released on Sunday.

— Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2026
Joe Burrow gives the Bengals the quarterback advantage, and the extra preparation strengthens their case.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of advantage

Noun

That refusal does not bode well for their ability to impartially decide matters involving this administration, and underscores the importance of the Senate’s confirmation power.

— James Speyer, New York Daily News, 30 Oct. 2026
Innovation is nurtured from top to bottom by giving it the same importance as day-to-day operations.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of importance

Noun

The slight reproach to which the virtue of patriotism is commonly liable, the noble are most likely to incur.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
War is above all, in their eyes, the occasion to demonstrate the most noble human virtues…energy, self-mastery, sacrifice to a cause that is greater than oneself.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of virtue

Noun

Shea says the Academy uses the international feature category to find new members, since the films arriving from around the world bring filmmakers who already clear a bar of excellence in their own countries.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026
Later that night, the Podcast Academy will present the Ambies, an awards show to honor excellence in podcasting at Arlo Williamsburg.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of excellence

Browse Nearby Words

meridians

merit

merited

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Style

“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of merit

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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