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 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

Circuit Court Judge Glenn Kelley ruled that the three unidentified Palestinian-American county residents, who sued last October, lacked legal merits to bring a case against Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller Mike Caruso. — Jake Shore, Miami Herald, 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

But the state appeals court earlier this year vacated that ruling on technical grounds and did not rule on the merits. — Scott Bauer, Twin Cities, 29 July 2026

Novo will have the opportunity to continue defending itself before any trial on the merits. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 29 July 2026

Verb

The growth potential tied to a 2-year CD account merits serious consideration in today's uneven economy. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 31 July 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