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

Boparai has since issued a statement of his own, though without addressing the company's concerns nor the merits of the lawsuit. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Whatever the merits of Fedorov’s arguments, the move potentially presents a fresh talking point to Putin, who has publicly and repeatedly cast doubt on Zelensky’s legitimacy as president. — Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Those jurisdictional questions look to set up a pretty intricate set of arguments before the judge gets to the merits of the case. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026

To that end, the players note that the NCAA must show, among other things, a strong likelihood of success on the merits and irreparable injury, meaning one that money damages can’t remedy, absent a stay. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The citizen task force spent more than 24 hours in public sessions listening to proposals and weighing their merits. — Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026

Undefeated reviving its Air Jordan 4 collaboration in 2025 continues to be the focus of debate as sneakerheads argue about the merits of making the once-rare sneakers more widely available. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026

But others question the effectiveness of the California’s good-government reforms and merits of the self-glorification that followed. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

The merits of Christopher Nolan’s adaptation have been much debated, but few could deny that, in a film of extreme narrative fragmentation, Hathaway’s genuinely regal presence insured that the emotional center held. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Verb

Credit card debt forgiveness merits serious consideration now that balances are continuing to rise. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 12 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