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

The city of Chicago recently pursued a worthy effort to build affordable apartments on the West Side.

— Harold Pollack, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
There must be aspirational elements, typically wealthy characters wearing Brunello Cucinelli while emotionally unraveling in Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchens.

— Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of worthy

Adjective

For the mostly Hispanic agriculture and food processing workers, the data center boom hasn’t been all good.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Villa’s recent warm-up defeat to Bayern Munich, though a 2-1 loss, will have offered a useful gauge of what facing elite opposition demands and should stand them in good stead for the level of intensity this game in Salzburg will require.

— Dean Jones, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of good

Adjective

Albies is an excellent contact hitter, putting the bat on the ball, and driving the ball to the gaps.

— Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Located in the heart of the Marais, a restaurant at the Centre Pompidou would have to be pretty special to compete against all the excellent neighboring options.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

Despite its admirable goal — making highly effective treatments more affordable — the program risks doing the opposite by creating a complex, burdensome process that could limit access in practice.

— Jeffrey Millstein, STAT, 11 Aug. 2026
Loyalty to an employer can be admirable, but your company cannot guarantee your long-term security.

— Dr. Cynthia J. Young, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of admirable

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

His comments may have been ill-considered since notoriety doesn’t come solely through laudable actions; Fauci faced plenty of criticism.

— Steve Brozak, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
These programs are laudable, certainly beneficial for some people, but overall are of limited effect even in reducing recidivism, let alone dealing with the conditions that generate criminality in the first place.

— Ronald J. Allen, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

Definition of laudable

Adjective

Thomas Hummel, head of the Smell and Taste center in the department of Otorhinolaryngology at the Dresden University of Technology, who has developed olfactory implants, says Zhao’s work is commendable.

— Hannah Docter-Loeb, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
While his commitment to his royal duties is commendable, many family members are growing increasingly worried about his well-being.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 23 July 2026

Definition of commendable

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 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of meritorious

adjective

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