as in distinctions
a quality that gives something special worth
this mystery novel at least has the merit of an original plot
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Recent Examples of merits
Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
The 6-3, unsigned order said the request, brought forward as an emergency petition by the state, was not denied on the merits, but rather due to the standards the justices consider when deciding whether to grant a stay.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
In a rare move, the panel in Atlanta also voted 2-1 to stop the environmental groups’ case from proceeding in Miami federal court until the appeals court rules on the merits of the state’s request to lift the judge’s injunction.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
Plan an outing or a group activity and get everyone engaged on its own merits.
—Joe Moglia, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Though the merits of that case were widely seen as lacking, Paramount opted to pay $16 million to settle it and to bring in someone to serve as an investigator of sorts when claims of CBS News’ reporting lacking neutrality surface.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025
The justices provided no rationale, which is common in emergency appeals, and did not rule on the merits of the case.
—Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2025
Every television show lives and dies on its merits.
—Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
The merits of investing in college sports are another story.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
The key question now is whether IONS still merits a buy after this sizable move.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
The Supreme Court emphasized that its September 10 denial of South Carolina's application was not a ruling on the merits of John Doe's claims but was based solely on the standards for emergency relief.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
The 6-3, unsigned order said the request, brought forward as an emergency petition by the state, was not denied on the merits, but rather due to the standards the justices consider when deciding whether to grant a stay.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
In a rare move, the panel in Atlanta also voted 2-1 to stop the environmental groups’ case from proceeding in Miami federal court until the appeals court rules on the merits of the state’s request to lift the judge’s injunction.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
Plan an outing or a group activity and get everyone engaged on its own merits.
—Joe Moglia, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Though the merits of that case were widely seen as lacking, Paramount opted to pay $16 million to settle it and to bring in someone to serve as an investigator of sorts when claims of CBS News’ reporting lacking neutrality surface.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025
The justices provided no rationale, which is common in emergency appeals, and did not rule on the merits of the case.
—Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2025
Every television show lives and dies on its merits.
—Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
The merits of investing in college sports are another story.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
Famous Nobodys ProStandard The induction weekend was filled with poignant moments, including Dwyane Wade's emotional tribute, son Kiyan Anthony presenting the Hall of Fame jacket and ring, and Melo reflecting on a lifelong journey that merits this legacy moment.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
The key question now is whether IONS still merits a buy after this sizable move.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merits
Noun
-
Gongs include a Grand Prize, a special jury prize as well as distinctions for design, know-how and gemstones.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
9 Sep. 2025
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Legal operations often involve context, judgment and subtle distinctions that automation isn’t yet equipped to handle.—
Jens Erik Gould,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Everyone in this country deserves to go to work, to school or just across town without fear of being attacked.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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In the same way, not every piece of media laid out in your feed deserves your attention.—
Annie Margaret,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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That’s a shame because one of the biggest virtues of Zoox’s symmetrical 4-wheel-steering design is superior ability to do general PuDo.—
Brad Templeton,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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To be part of a society that made Lizzo one of the biggest recording stars of the early 2020s was a small indicator that progressive values and virtues had survived the (first) Trump presidency.—
Allison P. Davis,
Vulture,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In addition to testing the munition's capabilities, the mission also validated the aircraft's enduring advantages, including its stealth, range, and payload flexibility, while reinforcing its evolving role in maritime strike.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
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That said, robotic guide dogs offer other advantages.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Encouraging young adults to explore interests, values and long-term aspirations facilitates intrinsic motivation.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Both require a balance of commitment and flexibility, patience and action, values and adaptability.—
Allen Buchanan,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merits. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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