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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of meritorious
No meritorious credit will be granted.
—
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 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
The Medal of Freedom, established in 1963, is awarded to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural or other significant public endeavors.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
While there’s no question that alleviating poverty is a meritorious pursuit, so too is funding the discovery of a technology that allows millions to live more comfortably 20 years from now.
—Omar Al-Ubaydli, semafor.com, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for meritorious
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 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
The Medal of Freedom, established in 1963, is awarded to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural or other significant public endeavors.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
While there’s no question that alleviating poverty is a meritorious pursuit, so too is funding the discovery of a technology that allows millions to live more comfortably 20 years from now.
—Omar Al-Ubaydli, semafor.com, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for meritorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meritorious
Adjective
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Amazon has so many compliment-worthy pieces to add to your collection this winter.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
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The pathway out of poverty can only be cleared—and forged—when we all are involved and recognize parents in poverty as capable and worthy.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Tallen said his firm has a history of turning around distressed properties in good locations.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
7 Mar. 2026
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His communication on the defensive end of the floor has been really good, too.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The large cast of smaller roles and chorus is excellent.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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Evans Scholars must have a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character, the release said.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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And while striving for excellence is admirable, ballet’s obsession with excellence can make for a less-than-welcoming environment for those who just want to do it for fun.—
Chloe Angyal,
Time,
9 Mar. 2026
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Buendia made some telling contributions earlier in the season and, to his credit, his renaissance and willingness to stay — having rejected interest from other clubs — was highly admirable.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Such numbers are praiseworthy but could also distort competitive balance in domestic leagues.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
2 Feb. 2026
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Our movement just never had that deep sense of moral purpose that made people feel like, O.K., these people are praiseworthy people.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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All in all, the standards would require a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, a laudable goal.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
2 Mar. 2026
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For the next several months, most of my columns will directly or indirectly relate to this laudable initiative.—
Frank Lennon,
The Providence Journal,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Ultimately, the performance of the IS system is commendable, effectively mitigating shake and enhancing viewing stability.—
Matt Morris,
Space.com,
4 Mar. 2026
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Ellison’s vision is commendable.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But in the second half, when Romero had gone off and Spurs had moved to a back four, Dragusin looked more comfortable, physically standing up to Erling Haaland as Spurs rescued a very creditable point.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
10 Feb. 2026
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And Romesh Ranganathan makes a creditable West End debut as the doctor who lives next door.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Meritorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meritorious. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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