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
The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 2 Mar. 2026
Commissioner Miguel Gabela said his decision was based on financial considerations rather than the merits of the allegations.
—Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
The thrill of music like this has less to do with its compositional merits than its hatfuls of Albarnian audacity.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 27 Feb. 2026
The merits of a deeper sell-off should be contingent on the quality of offers.
—Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
But the relationship evolves into a power play as Jennifer, who confronts sexism at every turn within her family dynamic, feels snubbed when Fernando starts pursuing a more fulfilling, robust career as a ballet dancer — on his own merits.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2026
But the thing Panthers representatives kept hitting on Tuesday was Idzik’s merits.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026
Rather than avoiding the topic, ponder the merits of opening up about any financial issues.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026
Our initial reactions to the artistic merits of each film quickly gives way to months of conversations about campaigning, messaging, positioning, momentum, and other considerations that have nothing to do with art.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 24 Feb. 2026
Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Other viewers may be left wondering why all of this merits a full-length movie, or at least one that unconvincingly tries to turn fact into fiction.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026
Don Juan Moore/Getty Images To get ahead of the issue, the Federal Aviation Administration has issued a ban on all drone flights over the Super Bowl, which has been classified by the federal government as a top special event that merits extensive interagency support.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
For the Sweden Democrats and their coalition, culture, like borders, merits strategic defense.
—Colton Valentine, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
On-the-job safety comes to mind quickly, but consumer product safety merits attention.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
That rare price tag merits nothing less.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 7 Jan. 2026
The four-quarter game will be used as a plaintiff exhibit A-Z not only why the Big 12 barely merits one spot in the playoff, but that ultimately the league is not that much different than the Group of Five.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Jan. 2026
Each of these changes, taken individually, merits serious debate.
—Andrew Behar, Fortune, 5 Dec. 2025
Noun
Each one needs to be evaluated based on its merits.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 2 Mar. 2026
Commissioner Miguel Gabela said his decision was based on financial considerations rather than the merits of the allegations.
—Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
The thrill of music like this has less to do with its compositional merits than its hatfuls of Albarnian audacity.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 27 Feb. 2026
The merits of a deeper sell-off should be contingent on the quality of offers.
—Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
But the relationship evolves into a power play as Jennifer, who confronts sexism at every turn within her family dynamic, feels snubbed when Fernando starts pursuing a more fulfilling, robust career as a ballet dancer — on his own merits.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2026
But the thing Panthers representatives kept hitting on Tuesday was Idzik’s merits.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026
Rather than avoiding the topic, ponder the merits of opening up about any financial issues.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026
Our initial reactions to the artistic merits of each film quickly gives way to months of conversations about campaigning, messaging, positioning, momentum, and other considerations that have nothing to do with art.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
So much merits our contempt, out there and probably in ourselves, too.
—Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Other viewers may be left wondering why all of this merits a full-length movie, or at least one that unconvincingly tries to turn fact into fiction.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026
Don Juan Moore/Getty Images To get ahead of the issue, the Federal Aviation Administration has issued a ban on all drone flights over the Super Bowl, which has been classified by the federal government as a top special event that merits extensive interagency support.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
For the Sweden Democrats and their coalition, culture, like borders, merits strategic defense.
—Colton Valentine, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
On-the-job safety comes to mind quickly, but consumer product safety merits attention.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
That rare price tag merits nothing less.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 7 Jan. 2026
The four-quarter game will be used as a plaintiff exhibit A-Z not only why the Big 12 barely merits one spot in the playoff, but that ultimately the league is not that much different than the Group of Five.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Jan. 2026
Each of these changes, taken individually, merits serious debate.
—Andrew Behar, Fortune, 5 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merits
Noun
-
Understanding the distinctions in law enforcement authority, safeguarding private property and resident information, and seeking legal guidance when needed are essential components of responsible association governance.—
Peter S. Sachs,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Mar. 2026
-
There are some distinctions between the popular ride-hailing apps and the upcoming service.—
Luis Melecio-Zambrano,
Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This super-soft microfiber set from Wayfair deserves a spot in your linen closet—and on your bed.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Focus On the Kid When Praising Them Every child deserves some time in the spotlight without comparison!—
Wayne Parker,
Parents,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There is nuance in weighing the virtues of an ends-justify-the-means approach.—
Paul Fitzgerald,
Rolling Stone,
3 Mar. 2026
-
This manner of politics, where flaws count more than virtues, has come to dominate.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Finally, many families will need to analyze whether to invest alone or with partners – a decision that carries its own set of advantages and trade‑offs.—
Belinda G. Schwartz,
Fortune,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The research team also pointed out that flexibility and safety are not the only advantages of the innovative electrolyte.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
While both candidates occupied the party’s progressive flank, Talarico presented himself as a Democrat who could speak the language of faith and values to voters who have drifted rightward in recent years.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Guidance from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network says adults sharing their own feelings with children can be an opportunity to convey personal beliefs and values about how to treat others.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Merits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merits. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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