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
Jack Kubinec, Fortune, 1 June 2026
Based on the realities of today’s marketplace and the facts currently available, this merger appears to merit review, but not automatic resistance.
—Bill Lockyer, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 22 May 2026
Busby’s defense attorneys, Jack Strickland and Steve Gordon, argued that Busby’s poor upbringing, low IQ, learning disabilities and chronic drug and alcohol use merited a life sentence.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
During the trial for his lawsuit against OpenAI, Musk said some cryptocurrencies have merit, but most are scams.
—Jack Kubinec, Fortune, 1 June 2026
Based on the realities of today’s marketplace and the facts currently available, this merger appears to merit review, but not automatic resistance.
—Bill Lockyer, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
Verb
Team-mate Morgan Gibbs-White also merits a place, having scored 14 goals and provided four assists from his all-action midfield role.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 22 May 2026
Busby’s defense attorneys, Jack Strickland and Steve Gordon, argued that Busby’s poor upbringing, low IQ, learning disabilities and chronic drug and alcohol use merited a life sentence.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
For museums and galleries, diversity replaced criticality as the primary criterion of social distinction, the way to demonstrate participation in a progressive critique of the social order.—
Katy Siegel,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
The nearest town has the odd distinction of being renowned for ox-cart making.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Winger and Dawkins arrived in 2023, and one of the underlying principles of their plan was, and remains, to correctly evaluate their own players and make those evaluations before their players lost their trade value.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
-
The answer increasingly lies not in export volume alone, but in supply chain integration, local collaboration, sustainability standards and long-term strategic value.—
Li Jun,
Footwear News,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Rare disease patients deserve that same level of urgency.—
Elise Esposito,
Boston Herald,
29 May 2026
-
Many are still forming banking habits, building credit, choosing investment platforms and deciding which institutions deserve trust.—
Jeff Fromm,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
The Monarchs banged out 10 hits, stole three bases and took advantage of nine walks, six errors, four hit batters and three wild pitches.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
-
Coffey added eight rebounds and continues to further take advantage of the opportunity she has been given with her hometown team.—
Mike Cook,
Twin Cities,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
Charlotte Mather-Taylor, the director of the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County, echoed the sentiment on the importance of mental activity.—
Lauren Pastrana,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
-
Finally, in the Oaxacan field test, the team showed that predatory wasps use the airborne distress signals to find their prey, but the relative importance of direct leaf defenses versus this indirect wasp recruitment isn’t clear.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
Through its characters, the book stages an argument about the virtues of various types of maps—those that are measured, those that are recollected, those that are dreamed.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
-
In a world of volatility, interdependence, and unintended consequences, Humility is not a soft virtue.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
For more than 60 years, Sanlorenzo has defined Italian excellence in yacht building, crafting custom superyachts that combine refined design with innovative engineering.—
Rachel Ingram,
Robb Report,
31 May 2026
-
For decades, Zara—Inditex’s flagship brand—built one of the most successful retail models in business history through speed, operational excellence, and supply chain innovation.—
Esade Business & Law School,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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