Synonyms of merits

merits 1 of 2

noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distinctions
• virtues
• advantages
• values
• graces
• excellencies
• excellences
• cardinal virtues
• superiorities
• pluses
• edges

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deficiencies
• demerits
• defects
• flaws
• faults
• failings
• drawbacks
• blemishes
• disvalues
• negatives
• minuses

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deserves
• earns
• qualifies
• entitles
• rates

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of merits

Noun

The two parties were in Canyon County court Thursday afternoon for a hearing on the proper venue for the case going forward, and to argue over the merits of an injunction — a more durable ruling to halt the ads. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 29 Oct. 2026

Gruden’s success in the lawsuit to date hasn’t concerned the merits of the case, but rather whether the case must be resolved through arbitration instead of litigation. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2026

After an extensive review, which included training on state law, reading the book and discussing its merits, the committee decided unanimously to keep the book in Harford County high schools. — Tara Lynch, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

The launch comes amid an ongoing, and often confusing, debate over the merits of tokenized deposits versus stablecoins, which are another form of dollar equivalents long embraced by the crypto industry. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

And yet, if someone earnestly explores the merits of the zodiac or crystal healing at a dinner party, my inner cynic awakens. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026

While the probe is progressing, some inside the DOJ are concerned about its legal merits. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Kelly's order Tuesday is not a final ruling on the merits of the suit. — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Purists may debate the merits of servicing and restoration, but there’s no disputing the bragging rights that come with owning a Daytona tied to one of motorsport’s historic victories. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026

Verb

Rodriguez says the diversion of Medicaid settlement money through the Hope Florida Foundation to GOP political committees controlled by Uthmeier was wrong and merits frequent mention. — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026

In a city with more than 11,000 intensely competitive taquerías, the question of who merits credit for El Califa de León’s success has been a matter of public debate since Michelin deigned it star-worthy in 2024. — Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2026

Consider your furniture carefully To pull off a successful move, furniture merits a little extra TLC. — Perri Ormont Blumberg, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026

That merits an asterisk next to the case’s Extended-ATX board support. — Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026

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