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
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 Its statement did not address the contents of the video or the merits of the lawsuit. — Valerie Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026 Reasonable people can, and should, debate the merits of each proposal. — Brian Peckrill, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Verb
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 And while the misogyny hardly merits her attention, Penso sees it as emblematic of a larger problem. — Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 24 July 2026 Lundgaard, bound by contract, cannot seek other teams but believes his performance merits retention. — Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 4 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
  • Ultimately, the exhibition repositions fashion as a vital thread within his broader subject matter and an aspect of his work that deserves to be reclaimed.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Everybody’s an ex-something, and everybody deserves a second chance, sometimes [a] third chance.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 24 Sep. 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
  • For all its trials and tribulations, Chicagoland retains enviable advantages vis-a-vis other metro areas, but its growth over more than a decade seriously lags many of those peer regions.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Through two games, the Sun Devils have turned those advantages into one of the most explosive offenses in college football.
    — Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • To me, the GV70 is one of the best values in the luxury SUV category.
    — John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Republican leaders including Ted Cruz and Greg Abbott are reviving anti-sharia rhetoric ahead of the midterm elections, portraying Islamic religious guidance as a threat to American law and constitutional values.
    — David Crary, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Merits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merits. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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