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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of merit
Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 28 Oct. 2025
Either of these heavy hitters can make a compelling case based on its merits.
—PC Magazine, 25 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
Rather than competing on the merits, business leaders will need to get wise to the ways of Washington.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 28 Oct. 2025
Either of these heavy hitters can make a compelling case based on its merits.
—PC Magazine, 25 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
-
Zhao drew a distinction between her latest work and her previous films.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Three Nashville restaurants earned One Michelin Star, while seven more earned Bib Gourmand distinctions among other recognition.—
Mackensy Lunsford,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Entry-level workers experiment freely and the C-suite sees strategic value, yet middle managers often struggle to bridge the gap.—
Feon Ang,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
-
In addition, people without insurance use less care, even high-value care, which can impact future health.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Andrew Bean, a researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute and another lead author of the study, concurred that even reputable benchmarks are too often blindly trusted and deserve more scrutiny.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
6 Nov. 2025
-
After all, your business deserves a fighting chance in a highly competitive, often-changing market.—
K.H. Koehler,
jsonline.com,
6 Nov. 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
-
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
-
Historically, at the Bernabeu, the coach and their own tactical ideas have never been of primary importance.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The sessions will continue in the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, a private island sanctuary in the Bahamas, where guests will learn about coral restoration and marine protection, before sailing the turquoise waters with Horn to see the importance of protecting the delicate underwater ecosystems.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
By upholding his virtue and revealing the emptiness of evil, Ignatius Maloyan earned sainthood, joining the enduring Communion of witnesses.—
Jenni Fink,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Running is a means of developing all these good virtues and habits.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Knighthoods, conferred by the sovereign, represent one of the highest forms of national recognition for service and excellence.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Justin’s heritage continues to inspire excellence.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share