meritorious

1 deserving of high regard or great approval worked all night with meritorious determination to get the project done on time Synonyms applaudable, commendable, creditable, estimable, laudable, admirable, praiseworthyRelated Words deserving, worthy; awesome, distinctive, distinguished, excellent, heady, honorable, impressive, noteworthy, noticeable, outstanding, redoubtable, reputable, respectable; invaluable, precious, priceless, valuable; delightful, enjoyable, pleasing, satisfying; ethical, good, high-minded, moral, noble, principledNear Antonyms base, contemptible, deplorable, despicable, detestable, dirty, infamous, lousy, nasty, notorious, pitiable, pitiful, scabby, scummy, scurvy, sorry, unlikable, unworthy, vile, worthless, wretched; disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, low, mean, scandalous, seamy, shady, shameful, shocking, sordid, unethical, unsavoryAntonyms censurable, discreditable, illaudable, reprehensible

2 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 deserving, good, worthyRelated Words admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, praiseworthy; invaluable, priceless; cherished, prized, treasured; choice, excellent, exceptional, fancy, high-grade, primary, prime, specialNear Antonyms base, cheap, inferior, second-rate, substandard; bad, defective, flawed, imperfect; deficient, inadequate, insufficient, unacceptable, unsatisfactoryAntonyms no-good, undeserving, valueless, worthless