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

His work tells the Revolutionary story through thousands of Americans debating the merits of political change, weighing the risks of armed resistance, and reassuring friends and neighbors that they were engaged in a worthy cause. — T. H. Breen, The Atlantic, 3 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

Trump sued his own Internal Revenue Service over the unauthorized release of his tax returns — and then, before the case could even be heard on the merits, his Justice Department settled it on his behalf. — Lynn Schmidt, Mercury News, 2 July 2026

But the justices, in a 5-4 decision, left the door open to Cook being fired on the merits. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 2 July 2026

Last term, when there were both more cases and more referrals to the full court, the appeals to the shadow docket finally overtook those to the merits docket. — Ken B. Morales, ProPublica, 1 July 2026

On the merits of his vitality, Paul lands a plum commission from a design magazine. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

Wilkins was quick to defend her participation and her merits as a musical act. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2026

Cases granted certiorari move onto the merits stage. — The Conversation, 24 June 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