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
After an extensive review, which included training on state law, reading the book and discussing its merits, the committee decided unanimously to keep the book in Harford County high schools. — Tara Lynch, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 The launch comes amid an ongoing, and often confusing, debate over the merits of tokenized deposits versus stablecoins, which are another form of dollar equivalents long embraced by the crypto industry. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 And yet, if someone earnestly explores the merits of the zodiac or crystal healing at a dinner party, my inner cynic awakens. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 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 The ruling was made on technical grounds rather than on the merits of Netflix’s argument. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
Consider your furniture carefully To pull off a successful move, furniture merits a little extra TLC. — Perri Ormont Blumberg, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026 That merits an asterisk next to the case’s Extended-ATX board support. — Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merits
Noun
  • As the volume of information grows, the ability to make those distinctions becomes the skill.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The moral distinctions among mainstream business, the yakuza gangs, and the police were often blurry.
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But tapping into your home's equity to eliminate unsecured debt is a decision that deserves careful consideration.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The Pisces Moon trines Mercury in Scorpio, giving you a strong feel for which idea, subject, or creative impulse deserves more attention.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • For Monday meditation, the teaching group has assigned the 10 paramis (spiritual virtues) of Buddhism, which explore topics like generosity, wisdom and patience.
    — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Firms that know exactly where the line sits hold quiet advantages their competitors cannot purchase or replicate.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Cue the whole nepo-baby brouhaha, the never-ending conversation about the professional advantages that come with a famous last name.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • LendingTree’s model values the federal child tax credit at $2,200 per child, up from $2,000.
    — Martie Bowser, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Education and giving back are important values to the family as the project represents for them a broader impact within the natural diamond industry.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Merits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merits. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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