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

But the appeals court has not yet ruled on the legal merits of the White House's ban targeting AP journalists. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

While the probe is progressing, some inside the DOJ are concerned about its legal merits. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Kelly's order Tuesday is not a final ruling on the merits of the suit. — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

The other two judges, Kelly and Tymkovich, concluded the NCAA made a sufficient showing under the factors governing stays pending appeal, including on the merits and irreparable harm. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Purists may debate the merits of servicing and restoration, but there’s no disputing the bragging rights that come with owning a Daytona tied to one of motorsport’s historic victories. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026

Any mention of youth merits mention of fashion’s nepo obsession, which was on full view this season. — Joan Kennedy, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026

The ruling was made on technical grounds rather than on the merits of Netflix’s argument. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

An advisor who welcomes that scrutiny makes the decision easier to assess on its merits. — Christoph Lymbersky, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Verb

But the film hardly even merits such empty pastiche, and there’s little else to distinguish it from much cheap-and-cheerful streaming fodder in this genre space. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

Even the cruel Paulina’s misplaced overconfidence and comeuppance merits our charity. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026

The forest also merits a visit after the spring or autumn rains, when local guides lead mushroom hunts. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

That Ausmus already got so close to being the Astros’ general manager merits obvious attention. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

But with returns here easily worth hundreds and potentially thousands of dollars, this account still merits serious consideration now. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 25 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