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

When audiences can easily identify a publisher's ownership, affiliations, editorial orientation and reporting history, they are better equipped to evaluate information on its merits. — Jeremy Fields, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Their models are different, and demand investors view and value them individually and on their merits. — Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 16 July 2026

As a result, the court ruled that the jury was improperly allowed to consider the aggregate threat Garcia Torres posed instead of the individual merits of the murder allegation. — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 15 July 2026

Aside from the familiar faces, one major location featured in every episode is Comic Central, where Sheldon and Leonard often spent time arguing about the merits of comic books and characters. — Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026

In the motion for a TRO, the AGs said that Paramount declined to pause the merger until the court ruled on the merits. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 July 2026

The irony is that if the referee had not shown a yellow card to Paredes, the incident could not have been reviewed on the merits of Embolo’s dive alone. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 13 July 2026

As an especially commercial form of feminism began to flourish, these sites debated its merits. — Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 11 July 2026

Rather than seeking dismissal, however, Navarro is asking the appeals court to decide the case on its merits. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2026

Verb

Ismaila Sarr — Senegal/Crystal Palace (-3) Sarr’s huge contribution to Senegal’s showing (and his sensational goal against Belgium) still merits consideration here in the middle of this list. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 16 July 2026

This term, the court has decided 63 interim docket cases (more could come over the summer) and 66 merits docket cases, according to tracking by SCOTUSBlog. — Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 7 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

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