merits 1 of 2

plural of merit
as in distinctions
a quality that gives something special worth this mystery novel at least has the merit of an original plot

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merits

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of merit
as in deserves
to be or make worthy of (as a reward or punishment) that selfless act of heroism merited a public ceremony to honor the young swimmer

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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 merits
Noun
Active stock pickers must instead consider the merits of each holding against the prospect of higher rates. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026 Even presidential hopeful Flávio Bolsonaro avoided criticizing the merits of the decision. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026 Now companies would nominally have to compete on the merits for government contracts. — William Turton, ProPublica, 22 Sep. 2026 Paramount then agreed to pause the transaction until a trial on the merits, rather than fight a motion for a preliminary injunction. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026 The fact that this song has connected with fans on its own merits, apart from any boost from an anime work, is notably different from the way other artists are usually received abroad. — Billboard Japan, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026 The two sides reached a confidential settlement in 2019 without a ruling on the merits of his claim. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 On its own merits, Fudd had a good rookie year that had an unfortunate turn. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026 The bottom line Savers who want to protect their $50,000 through today's market instability and further over the next three years should seriously consider the merits a 3-year CD offers now. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
But the film hardly even merits such empty pastiche, and there’s little else to distinguish it from much cheap-and-cheerful streaming fodder in this genre space. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026 Even the cruel Paulina’s misplaced overconfidence and comeuppance merits our charity. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026 The forest also merits a visit after the spring or autumn rains, when local guides lead mushroom hunts. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026 That Ausmus already got so close to being the Astros’ general manager merits obvious attention. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 But with returns here easily worth hundreds and potentially thousands of dollars, this account still merits serious consideration now. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 One other significant finding that Mitchell said merits further investigation is an area of red discoloration on tissue at the back of Wells' head by the occipital bone. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 31 July 2026 Professor Mulligan, who also served as director of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office during the Biden administration, says the disappearance merits congressional scrutiny. — Aaron Glantz, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026 However, the findings suggest a relationship between birding and brain health that merits further exploration. — The Conversation, Fortune, 27 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merits
Noun
  • How a blood pressure wearable actually works Not every device on your wrist does the same thing, and for anyone weighing a switch from an arm cuff, the distinctions are critical.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026
  • For the first time this season, Kyle Larson heads to Kansas Speedway with two specific distinctions.
    — Reid Spencer, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The report found that 84% of students agree that working in the trades deserves respect, Harlow said.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The tension between intellectual certainty and its corporeal obverse is the novel’s most interesting possibility, yet its campus plot repeatedly narrows into a question of who deserves our sympathy.
    — Zain Khalid, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • What unites these seemingly disparate topics is Wilson’s knack for putting himself into scenarios with unusual people that lead him into unexpected territory—a lesson in the virtues of simple observation.
    — Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Unused Electronics Pope extols the virtues of clearing your house of all useless electronics.
    — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The main advantages of a pop-top like this one are to create more headroom inside a vehicle that rides low and to add space for a second bed.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Even American firms, from Airbnb and DoorDash to Shopify, have embraced Chinese models, tapping into the advantages of open systems, including lower costs and greater flexibility for customization.
    — John Liu, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Our responsibility is to provide accurate medical information, compassionate counseling and the full range of medically reasonable options so patients can make informed decisions consistent with their values.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Sayegh also puts her staying power down to her father’s influence, which instilled core values like honoring deals, treating people with respect and booking movies based on audience demand and not personal taste.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Merits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merits. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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