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
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Recent Examples of merit
Laura Manzano, Martha Stewart, 13 Jan. 2026
Unlike presidential elections, statewide contests do not feature running mates; each candidate must be elected on their own merits.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026
John Hollinger, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
The four-quarter game will be used as a plaintiff exhibit A-Z not only why the Big 12 barely merits one spot in the playoff, but that ultimately the league is not that much different than the Group of Five.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
When Fresh Onion Is the Better Choice In spite of the many merits of onion powder, sometimes a fresh onion is irreplaceable.
—Laura Manzano, Martha Stewart, 13 Jan. 2026
Unlike presidential elections, statewide contests do not feature running mates; each candidate must be elected on their own merits.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
In 1985, for instance, award voters determined that Bernard King’s 55 games as a Knick were sufficiently awesome to merit a first-team All-NBA selection.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
The four-quarter game will be used as a plaintiff exhibit A-Z not only why the Big 12 barely merits one spot in the playoff, but that ultimately the league is not that much different than the Group of Five.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
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Still, Self noted there’s a distinction between practice and actual games in how Peterson feels.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
13 Jan. 2026
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The distinction of a judicial warrant is key because ICE agents could instead have an administrative warrant.—
Jeff Wagner,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Olathe’s trajectory mirrors what’s happening across Johnson County — which saw more than 90% of the homes go up in value in 2024, with the average home prices sitting at $508,000 and average sale price at $557,000.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
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Cultural, linguistic, and value-based assimilation challenges arise, potentially altering national identities and eroding civilizational confidence.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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PrettyGarden Faux Fur Coat This faux fur coat from PrettyGarden deserves to be added to your winter capsule wardrobe—especially at this super low sale price.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Jan. 2026
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Keep scrolling for more waterproof boots that deserve a spot on your shoe rack.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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From roster makeup to individual position battles to the coaches looking to exploit any advantage on the field, every bit of film is scrutinized to see which team has the advantage in January.—
J.J. Bailey,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
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Despite being given three power plays in the first, the B’s were not good at all on the man advantage.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Miller said he’s always emphasized to his players the importance of getting out of their comfort zones and being the best version of themselves possible.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
14 Jan. 2026
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The dividing line between state and federal government Michele Goodwin, professor of constitutional law at Georgetown University, said understanding the significance of Illinois and Minnesota’s lawsuits begins with understanding the importance of the Bill of Rights and the 10th Amendment.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Carrying Mandarin-style wooden ducks (won-ang seteu) down the aisle symbolizes the groom's commitment to his partner and represents virtues like fidelity, harmony, and family in Korean culture.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
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The virtue of me organizing words and putting them in order and being able to evoke different types of emotions in different types of personalities, that’s a great talent.—
Jessica Roiz,
Billboard,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Her answer landed like a mic drop at Golden Eve, a new primetime special airing Thursday on CBS that celebrates work defined by excellence and lasting impact.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
7 Jan. 2026
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The recognition places Dogwood among a small group of restaurants nationwide singled out for excellence in their first year on the dining scene.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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