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

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

Several Premier League clubs, including local rivals Sunderland, have shown the merits of buying youngsters from abroad and developing them. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

An attorney herself, Belle knew the merits of a prenup and wisely took care of business. — Margery A. Greenberg, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026

Finally, advocates sued, arguing that, under then-Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, the department had deliberately and illegally stopped processing claims and wrongfully denied others without considering the merits of their cases. — Cory Turner, NPR, 31 July 2026

That case was dropped 20 days after Trump won the 2024 election, not on the merits, but because of a longstanding Department of Justice policy that a president can't be prosecuted while in office. — Chris Brennan, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Create characters built around lifepaths, natures, clan traits, and merits. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 30 July 2026

The order on the preliminary injunction was filed without prejudice, meaning the suit will proceed to a more thorough hearing on the merits of the case. — Anil Oza, STAT, 30 July 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