merits 1 of 2

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

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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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of merits
Noun
The Supreme Court cannot avoid deciding this on the merits of the case. John J. Martin, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 With interest rates comparable to the top CD accounts, savers may be wondering about the merits of transferring their $40,000 into a high-yield savings account instead. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 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 Boparai has since issued a statement of his own, though without addressing the company’s concerns nor the merits of the lawsuit. Julie Carr Smyth, Fortune, 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 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
Verb
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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merits
Noun
  • Corruption talk blurs the distinctions between these three distinct things.
    Robert Boatright, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Grip is phenomenal, as are the electric motors These differences are subtle but important distinctions that bolster the 849 as a more refined follow-up to the SF90.
    Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Doctors say your bowel movements are worth paying attention to even without a smart toilet, and any persistent change in bathroom habits deserves a professional evaluation.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Anyway, please consider thinking that Jimmy deserves an Emmy.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • We were inculcated with the importance of charity, love toward all, good works and humility, and urged to carry those virtues into adulthood.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • This distinction matters because several of these characteristics can actually be virtues.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Drone teams have several advantages over the artillery systems and armored vehicles traditionally used to deliver fires.
    Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • If the upcoming tests continue to validate the design, the 24-round reusable pod could become one of JR3’s biggest advantages.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • For West, Chesney’s most important asset is his personal values.
    Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Intended to preserve the human-scale coastal character, conservation values, passive recreation function, neighborhood compatibility and ecological and recreational function of North Hollywood Beach Park and surrounding coastal areas.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Merits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merits. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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