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
Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Oct. 2025
There have been exceptions, of course, like Dario Vitale’s divisive first collection for Versace, which had the merit of placing the brand at the center of conversation.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2025
But in the case of Madelaine Petsch’s The Strangers trilogy, her executive producer title is well-merited.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
Magistrate Tracye Hill dismissed both inducing panic charges on their merits, which is similar to a not guilty verdict in adult court, according to court records.
—Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Oct. 2025
There have been exceptions, of course, like Dario Vitale’s divisive first collection for Versace, which had the merit of placing the brand at the center of conversation.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
The heavily caffeinated event, featuring inspirational speakers, a global barista competition, and a cold brew takeover of the Las Vegas Sphere, cost enough to merit a mention in Starbucks’ earnings statement.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2025
But in the case of Madelaine Petsch’s The Strangers trilogy, her executive producer title is well-merited.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
Asteroids are larger rocks in space, but there's no official distinction.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
29 Sep. 2025
-
One crucial distinction, though, comes from how the question is phrased.—
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The company decreased total water use across its operations and value chain by 32 percent from its fiscal 2020 baseline.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Stewardship speaking, the organization’s total water usage, across its operations and value chain, dropped 32 percent against the 2020 baseline—some 12 percent above and beyond the 20 percent reduction goal.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
What the American people really deserve is not mass resignations or brief, fake shutdowns that stir up political chaos in Washington, DC, while Americans across the country watch in horror or turn a blind eye in disgust.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Democrats are not going to argue that non-citizens who show up in emergency rooms should be denied care, or that people who got refugee status but have not become citizens don’t deserve access to ACA plans.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Securing the Shield ensures the top seed for Philly and home-field advantage throughout the MLS Cup playoffs for a team that has quietly gone about a consistent season without grabbing much in the way of attention.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
-
For today’s leaders, this means approaching every critical business decision with a mindset that considers how AI can deliver a competitive advantage.—
Derya Matras,
Fortune,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Opinion journalism, at its best, helps people think more deeply about issues of local importance.—
Indianapolis Star,
IndyStar,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Throughout the song’s undulating, fluid melodies, Kali and Mariah trade verses about the importance of loyalty in love, all while maintaining their own otherworldly vocals in the process.—
Stephen Daw,
Billboard,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Growing longer, healthier hair takes a lot of patience—a virtue that clashes with social media’s instant gratification itch.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
2 Oct. 2025
-
In his mind, the army was not a caste apart but an instrument of the republic – an arena in which self-command and civic virtue were tested.—
Maurizio Valsania,
The Conversation,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Kings’ vaunted depth remains a strength and Kuemper keeps up last year’s excellence.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Taylor Swift knows what excellence requires and is not afraid to demand it.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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