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
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
Essentially, their votes and their objections, no matter how vociferous or meritorious, did not matter.
—Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 3 July 2025
Its Lifetime Achievement and other meritorious award recipients will be named later.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for meritorious
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
Essentially, their votes and their objections, no matter how vociferous or meritorious, did not matter.
—Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 3 July 2025
Its Lifetime Achievement and other meritorious award recipients will be named later.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for meritorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meritorious
Adjective
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His leadership, along with the rest of his coaching staff, has been crucial in turning a four-win team for the last two NFL seasons into a squad worthy enough of reaching the pinnacle of football once more.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Keep scrolling to shop more of the best Amazon outlet deals to shop this week, from a Michael Kors tote bag to a movie-night-on-the-couch-worthy Eddie Bauer throw blanket.—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Parents can now set daily time limits or block Shorts entirely, depending on what works best for their household.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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Fan and critical consensus touted Kendrick Lamar’s triumphant-if-too-breezy GNX as one of 2024’s best and most successful rap albums.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The German is an excellent all-round forward who excels in bringing the best out of the teammates around him.—
Graham Ruthven,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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While not every product in the brand’s SOS collection includes hypochlorous acid (an excellent anti-acneic ingredient), the serum does.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The toil and sweat that’s behind the scenes to make this happen is admirable, and the technology advances in autonomy are inspiring.—
Sabbir Rangwala,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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The bravery and ambition are admirable, but some of those Open Division candidates might be too big and too physically advanced for the Sea Kings.—
Steve Fryer,
Oc Register,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Despite such a praiseworthy showing, Leavitt and Ballas were sent packing ahead of the season's grand finale.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Dec. 2025
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What Gates has done is courageous and praiseworthy.—
Stephen Moore,
Boston Herald,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The clear objective of this campaign was to make the unconscionable appear reasonable, and the reasonable appear laudable.—
Jelani Cobb,
New Yorker,
19 Jan. 2026
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Trying to look one’s best, keeping one’s weight under control, having a well-fitting wardrobe, showering regularly, and keeping ear and nose hair well shorn are all laudable goals.—
Oc Register,
Oc Register,
18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The 40-year old multi-hyphenate creative has lived an abundant life in her four decades, which includes sculpting an enviable body from grit, alchemizing grief after losing her brother, father and mother a few years apart, and building a commendable career by embracing the uncomfortable.—
Essence,
Essence,
16 Jan. 2026
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And who is to say that will be the end of this improbable, commendable run?—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Other clubs had also been aware of this particular concern, noting his creditable goalscoring record, but also his shortcomings, including his off-the-ball diligence and ability to fashion chances himself.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
16 Jan. 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 1 Feb. 2026.
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