Synonyms of meritorious

meritorious

adjective

ˌmer-ə-ˈtȯr-ē-əs 

1

as in worthy

deserving of high regard or great approval

worked all night with meritorious determination to get the project done on time

Synonyms & Similar Words

• worthy
• excellent
• admirable
• praiseworthy
• laudable
• commendable
• creditable
• honorable
• distinguished
• impressive
• noble
• awesome
• outstanding
• estimable
• applaudable
• deserving
• distinctive
• valuable
• noticeable
• moral
• good
• noteworthy
• invaluable
• respectable
• satisfying
• precious
• reputable
• delightful
• ethical
• enjoyable
• pleasing
• redoubtable
• heady
• priceless
• principled
• high-minded

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reprehensible
• discreditable
• unworthy
• censurable
• worthless
• contemptible
• pitiable
• deplorable
• pitiful
• detestable
• vile
• despicable
• wretched
• notorious
• lousy
• base
• dirty
• sorry
• infamous
• nasty
• scurvy
• dishonorable
• illaudable
• shameful
• unethical
• disgraceful
• scabby
• scandalous
• disreputable
• sordid
• ignominious
• low
• unsavory
• mean
• shocking
• shady
• unlikable
• scummy
• seamy

2

as in good

having sufficient worth or merit to receive one's honor, esteem, or reward

all agreed that the most meritorious science project had won the competition

Synonyms & Similar Words

• worthy
• good
• deserving
• special
• admirable
• commendable
• creditable
• praiseworthy
• excellent
• laudable
• exceptional
• primary
• invaluable
• cherished
• priceless
• prime
• fancy
• prized
• choice
• high-grade
• treasured

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• worthless
• inferior
• no-good
• cheap
• valueless
• undeserving
• bad
• substandard
• base
• defective
• imperfect
• inadequate
• insufficient
• unsatisfactory
• deficient
• second-rate
• unacceptable
• flawed

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of meritorious

This means people with legitimate claims sit in limbo while those without meritorious cases aren’t removed efficiently. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 5 May 2026

Educators presented with the award of meritorious service have gone above and beyond in service to their school communities, the state board said. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026

The award would recognize those nominated for bravery or meritorious awards under the existing Australian Honors and Awards system for their actions during and after the attack, according to The Associated Press. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025

MacVean, who lived in Point Loma for nearly 50 years, was lauded for his work, receiving the Distinguished Service Medal on two occasions for meritorious service. — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025

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