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
On its own merits, Fudd had a good rookie year that had an unfortunate turn. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026 The bottom line Savers who want to protect their $50,000 through today's market instability and further over the next three years should seriously consider the merits a 3-year CD offers now. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 Its statement did not address the contents of the video or the merits of the lawsuit. Valerie Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026 There was no meaningful public backlash to piggyback onto, and Hinton’s warning had to work entirely on its own persuasive merits. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026 Reasonable people can, and should, debate the merits of each proposal. Brian Peckrill, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026 That move has pushed several towns to change their stance based on the financial penalty instead of the merits of the project. Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2026 The agreement did not adjudicate the merits of Camero’s allegations. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2026 Then the reduced group of selectors will go immediately into discussion on the merits of that candidate. Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
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 And while the misogyny hardly merits her attention, Penso sees it as emblematic of a larger problem. Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 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
  • By defying those distinctions, terrorists reproduce the worst of nature’s rages.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • But one of the distinctions of Annie Dillard’s nonfiction is how much her prose owes to poetry.
    Amy Cannon, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The doc simply wants to be the tribute that Lee and Lifeson wanted to throw for their friend, and the joyous look back on a life that Peart deserves.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Zagori, in the mountainous Epirus region of northwestern Greece, deserves several days on foot.
    Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • What unites these seemingly disparate topics is Wilson’s knack for putting himself into scenarios with unusual people that lead him into unexpected territory—a lesson in the virtues of simple observation.
    Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Unused Electronics Pope extols the virtues of clearing your house of all useless electronics.
    Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • For all its trials and tribulations, Chicagoland retains enviable advantages vis-a-vis other metro areas, but its growth over more than a decade seriously lags many of those peer regions.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Through two games, the Sun Devils have turned those advantages into one of the most explosive offenses in college football.
    Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • One of you may value freedom while the other values predictability.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • As baseball owners prepare for a lockout, in a push for the salary cap that would drive franchise values higher, insiders anticipate the MLB expansion fee could settle around or even above the $4 billion range.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

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“Merits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merits. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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