MERITORIOUS Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

meritorious

adjective

ˌmer-ə-ˈtȯr-ē-əs

Definition of meritorious

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 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 See All Example Sentences for meritorious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for meritorious

Adjective

Named one of the most charming small towns in Alabama and under-the-radar mountain destinations, Mentone offers not only gorgeous views, but plenty of worthy accommodations from golf and ski resorts to dude ranches.

— Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 July 2026
Its splurge-worthy Iridium Spa resembles a crustacean with overwater treatment rooms acting as claws.

— Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 16 July 2026

Definition of worthy

Adjective

Norway enjoyed their best World Cup ever, reaching the quarter-finals and beating Brazil along the way, and Haaland was at the centre of their success.

— Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Apart from Luke, the crew has a good-ish day welcoming Suzanne, Amy, and the bachelors onboard.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026

Definition of good

Adjective

The roofline leaves enough headroom for actual adults, the cargo area is genuinely useful, and visibility remains excellent.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 July 2026
City Colleges of Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago State University and National Louis University, among others, have built their reputations on the premise that everyone deserves access to an excellent education.

— Andrea Sáenz, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

While the exterior features of the shed are certainly praiseworthy, the construction of the structure is also impressive.

— Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
Outside of Zach Benson and Josh Doan, not many Sabres skaters had praiseworthy performances in this game.

— Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 11 May 2026

Definition of praiseworthy

Adjective

In 2018, New York City officials rolled out a voucher program with an unwieldy name, CityFHEPS, and the laudable goal of decreasing homelessness by subsidizing housing.

— Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026
That’s a laudable goal, of course, except Soon-Shiong’s proclamations are mostly fluff, financially self-serving and have led to FDA wrist-slapping.

— Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 18 June 2026

Definition of laudable

Adjective

These are all completely normal and commendable ways to spend summer vacation, and parents shouldn’t feel guilty for prioritizing these activities.

— Sherri Gordon, Parents, 7 July 2026
The Botanist is one of the best restaurants in Vancouver; the Lobby Lounge and RawBar, a commendable drinking den.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026

Definition of commendable

Adjective

And yet Cape Verde, remarkably, gave them a genuine and creditable scare.

— James Horncastle, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Pittsburgh and Midvale employed the first metallurgical chemists; William Sellers did the first creditable work with tool steel; the first chemical-dye factory opened.

— Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 14 Feb. 2026

Definition of creditable

Browse Nearby Words

meritless

meritorious

merits

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“Meritorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meritorious. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of meritorious

adjective

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