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
Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
As a result, some teachers have effectively received a pay cut—despite research showing strong correlations between merit pay systems and student achievement.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025
Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
And, last week, a New York judge ruled against releasing the Maxwell transcripts for a similar reason, saying the information in them didn’t merit breaking the secrecy of grand jury proceedings.
—Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
Oresme was an interesting figure, not only for his merit as a scholar and philosopher, but because of his unbiased approach to topics, particularly those involving the church.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
As a result, some teachers have effectively received a pay cut—despite research showing strong correlations between merit pay systems and student achievement.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
Suspensions and injuries can also merit immediate action — take Jeremie Frimpong’s (£6.0m) hamstring injury, which has ruled him out until after the September international break.
—Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
And, last week, a New York judge ruled against releasing the Maxwell transcripts for a similar reason, saying the information in them didn’t merit breaking the secrecy of grand jury proceedings.
—Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
By every measurement, there is a clear line of distinction between the two groups within the league’s 18 starters.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Legal operations often involve context, judgment and subtle distinctions that automation isn’t yet equipped to handle.—
Jens Erik Gould,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
At the club’s training ground in the Valdebebas district of the Spanish capital, both coaching staff and team-mates value the fact Ceballos can bring a style of play that is not so characteristic of the club’s other midfielders, more based on linking play.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Already hacked off by the renovation fiasco, the company’s longtime patrons pounced, accusing the corporation of betraying its history and values.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
With the place and functionality that our phones are taking, bags [have] become another kind of companion and deserve to be highlighted.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Rashada doesn’t deserve all of the heat, certainly, but this is what quarterback leaders do.—
Joe Davidosn,
Sacbee.com,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
An August poll from Roanoke College found Spanberger with a 46%-39% lead, while the RealClearPolitics average of polls shows her with the same 7-point advantage.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The totemic power of Apple is running out of time to reset expectations around AI to its own advantage.—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Many players didn’t grow up watching the Border War, and thus there wasn’t the same collective understanding of the rivalry’s importance.—
Quentin Corpuel,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
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The new queen is Itza Castillo, a 30-year-old professional model born in Managua, who arrived in the United States four years ago and plans to deliver a message about the importance of education.—
Sarah Moreno,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Becoming a saint In the Catholic faith, sainthood is reserved for those who have lived a life of heroic virtues, offered their life for others or died for their faith, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.—
Lauren Costantino
September 6,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
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Was one of Forest’s virtues last season their relative simplicity, which will now be disrupted?—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This operational excellence matters as utilities adapt to increasing electricity demand.—
Anna Broughel,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
From excellence and respectability to rage and raunch to the abstract and avant-garde.—
Lauren Morrow
September 9,
Literary Hub,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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