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 offer of a trial from Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson that eventually turned into a short-term contract until January 2025 proved the merits of all that hard work. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Because you’re not bound financially to a higher power, and that has its merits for creative experimentation. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2026

But for all its merits, the existing system has always been quite limited. — Eghosa E. Osaghae, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2026

Pay attention, then, to the rate climate not only on the months in which the Fed holds its meeting but each day as multiple factors here can impact the merits of select interest-earning vehicles. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Employers are advised to clarify interview protocols, politely manage parental presence, and focus on assessing the candidate's individual merits. — Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Instead, the judge reviewed our case, saw the merits of our arguments, and issued a temporary restraining order to block the merger. — Rob Bonta, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026

An important caveat when discussing the merits of adaptations is that a viewer or a critic may be unacquainted with the works being adapted—or even unaware that a film is an adaptation at all. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026

Earlier this week, the USA Today Coaches Poll dropped and had plenty of fans arguing online about the rankings of certain teams as well as the merits of preseason polls in general. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Verb

With this understanding, applying for a Medicare supplemental insurance plan merits serious consideration this August. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 6 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

And while the misogyny hardly merits her attention, Penso sees it as emblematic of a larger problem. — Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

Murton is convinced that merits more attention given Rincon’s age, position and offensive output. — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Lundgaard, bound by contract, cannot seek other teams but believes his performance merits retention. — Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Following a premiere in the international narrative competition at Tribeca, Sanders’ thoroughly accessible, audience-friendly film should be a popular selection on the fest circuit, and merits thoughtful handling by inclusivity-minded distributors. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 June 2026