Synonyms of merit

merit 1 of 2

noun

ˈmer-ət 

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

• distinction
• advantage
• value
• virtue
• excellence
• grace
• excellency
• cardinal virtue
• superiority
• plus
• edge

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deficiency
• defect
• failing
• fault
• demerit
• flaw
• blemish
• disvalue
• drawback
• minus
• negative

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

• value
• importance
• worth
• significance
• valuation
• evaluation
• account
• assessment
• estimation
• consequence
• excellence
• weight
• greatness
• perfection
• desirability

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• worthlessness
• emptiness
• inferiority
• cheapness
• pettiness
• baseness
• meanness
• deficiency
• valuelessness
• inadequacy
• insufficiency
• poorness
• lousiness
• paltriness
• unacceptability
• crumminess
• inadequateness

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

• deserve
• earn
• qualify
• rate
• entitle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of merit

Noun

The case is ongoing; the judge has not yet ruled on the merits of his argument. —Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026

The Supreme Court elevated a pair of TPS cases, involving the revocation of the status from Haiti and Syria, from the emergency docket to its merits docket for arguments later this month, but did not allow the lifting of the lower courts’ blocks in the interim. —Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 9 Apr. 2026

Verb

As an occasional problem, this would merit a Disapproving Frown — which, for the record, is one step up from a Cold Stare, one step down from a Glare, and at least one step down from yelling, which is unacceptable. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026

The Cowboys and Pickens’ agent haven’t exchanged any contract offers to merit progress toward a new deal. —Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026