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

Examples of meritorious in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Such medals are coveted in the journalism industry and given to a newspaper rather than an individual for meritorious reporting that serves the public good, according to the prizes’ organizers. —Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024

Doherty was in the Battle of Dak To and received a Bronze Star for meritorious service in combat. —Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 17 Jan. 2024

All that said, though, meritorious impeachment is not impossible. —Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 30 Dec. 2023

Failure to communicate with the complainant on these matters will create a feeling of futility on the part of complainants and organizations representing complainants that will discourage the filing of meritorious complaints. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 8 Nov. 2023

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