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 irony here is that if the referee had not shown a yellow card to Paredes, the incident could not have been reviewed on the merits of Embolo’s dive alone. — Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026

As an especially commercial form of feminism began to flourish, these sites debated its merits. — Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 11 July 2026

Rather than seeking dismissal, however, Navarro is asking the appeals court to decide the case on its merits. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2026

In a statement, the campaign director for Protect Majority Rule did not mention its funding and touted the merits of the campaign. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

Any request for public investment must be judged on the merits. — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026

Setting aside the merits of Padres scouting and player development, the price of big-league successes have been felt in the farm system. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026

To reach them, Daoists perform rituals to take the long journey all the way to the court of the Three Pure Ones in order to have an audience and report on the merits of the community. — Michael Naparstek, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

Each one has its merits and drawbacks, and some have become increasingly important as the climate heats up. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 3 July 2026

Verb

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

Such failings merits more analysis but there is surely some truth in left back Ali Abdi’s comments after a 4-0 filleting by Japan in their second game. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 29 June 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

The Central Hotel Queenstown also merits a mention, despite not quite being as central as the name suggests. — Steve Madgwick, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026

Peaches and blueberries spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar marry underneath pillowy pastry to create a dessert that merits your heartiest scoop of vanilla ice cream. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 12 June 2026

Cousins thinks that still-prevalent bias merits rethinking. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 23 May 2026

At the New Mexico resort nestled in the southernmost Rockies, though, the trail merits only a single black diamond. — Michelle Ruiz, Vogue, 7 May 2026

While the char siu and pork belly draw plenty of attention — as well as regular lines out the door — her panang curry merits equal regard. — Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 1 May 2026