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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
24 June 2026
Cases granted certiorari move onto the merits stage.
—
The Conversation,
24 June 2026
White isn’t arguing that every controversial comment is smart, helpful or worth defending on the merits.
—
Dan Zaksheske Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2026
Still, the Luna stands on its own merits.
—
Jim Fisher,
PC Magazine,
23 June 2026
To explore the merits of a cave feels a touch silly.
—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
23 June 2026
The approach also enables the service to evaluate autonomy solutions on their own merits while preserving competition across the broader CCA ecosystem.
—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
18 June 2026
They were expected to debate the merits of taking action against China and develop a plan before asking the European Commission to engage the country.
—
Kate Nishimura,
Footwear News,
18 June 2026
Drawbacks of private student loans While private loans have their merits, Mayotte urges her clients to avoid them if possible.
—
Evan Zimmer,
CNBC,
17 June 2026
Steve Madgwick,
Travel + Leisure,
18 June 2026
The skill for Vinicius Junior’s equaliser in that match, a brutally efficient display of finishing, also merits a mention, as does Nestory Irankunda’s incredible pace to score Australia’s opener against Turkey.
—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
15 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
Communicate Feedback Fairly This directive is emotionally and ethically adjacent to the previous one but merits its own category.
—
Bruce Weinstein,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Instead, it’s meant to showcase the power of Higgsfield’s technology, CEO Alex Mashrabov told me, not necessarily one of quality, and in that regard, the film merits recognition.
—
Corbin Bolies,
Variety,
10 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
While the char siu and pork belly draw plenty of attention — as well as regular lines out the door — her panang curry merits equal regard.
—
Carolyn Burt,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
Noun
Wilkins was quick to defend her participation and her merits as a musical act.
—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
24 June 2026
Cases granted certiorari move onto the merits stage.
—
The Conversation,
24 June 2026
White isn’t arguing that every controversial comment is smart, helpful or worth defending on the merits.
—
Dan Zaksheske Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2026
Still, the Luna stands on its own merits.
—
Jim Fisher,
PC Magazine,
23 June 2026
To explore the merits of a cave feels a touch silly.
—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
23 June 2026
The approach also enables the service to evaluate autonomy solutions on their own merits while preserving competition across the broader CCA ecosystem.
—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
18 June 2026
They were expected to debate the merits of taking action against China and develop a plan before asking the European Commission to engage the country.
—
Kate Nishimura,
Footwear News,
18 June 2026
Drawbacks of private student loans While private loans have their merits, Mayotte urges her clients to avoid them if possible.
—
Evan Zimmer,
CNBC,
17 June 2026
Verb
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
The skill for Vinicius Junior’s equaliser in that match, a brutally efficient display of finishing, also merits a mention, as does Nestory Irankunda’s incredible pace to score Australia’s opener against Turkey.
—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
15 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
Communicate Feedback Fairly This directive is emotionally and ethically adjacent to the previous one but merits its own category.
—
Bruce Weinstein,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Instead, it’s meant to showcase the power of Higgsfield’s technology, CEO Alex Mashrabov told me, not necessarily one of quality, and in that regard, the film merits recognition.
—
Corbin Bolies,
Variety,
10 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
While the char siu and pork belly draw plenty of attention — as well as regular lines out the door — her panang curry merits equal regard.
—
Carolyn Burt,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merits
Noun
-
Other states make distinctions between felony and misdemeanor violations based on things like how much money was involved.
-
In one of its many distinctions from other festivals, Ojai stays fresh by yearly changing music directors and for its 80th anniversary Esa-Pekka Salonen returned after a quarter-century absence.
Verb
-
Everyone deserves dignity, safety and freedom to speak without fear.
-
Skechers Go Walk Pant Sketchers is known for its comfy, affordable shoes, but its clothing, especially the Go Walk Pants, deserves just as much mention.
Noun
-
There was nothing remotely polarizing in a gig that everything to do with classic virtues.
-
Rather than maintaining aristocratic distance, Nero linked his public image to the virtues and popularity of spectacle.
Noun
-
Comparatively long engagement range One of the Hornet Block 1’s key advantages is its comparatively long engagement range, reported to exceed 75 kilometers.
-
The 2026 edition is unique because those advantages have effectively been shared among three teams as this is the first time in World Cup history one tournament has been played in three countries.
Noun
-
The artist was beloved by Americans for his intimate portrayals of the country’s values.
-
Talarico’s faith is distinct from the Catholicism that Vice President JD Vance embraced in 2019, which sees a central place for Christianity in American life that’s focused on traditional social values like family formation — not social justice.
Cite this Entry
“Merits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merits. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
