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
Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Many legal experts felt Trump’s case was weak on its merits.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
His appeal is now moving, and his case will be heard on the merits in the coming months.
—Sean Nelson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Magistrate Tracye Hill dismissed both inducing panic charges on their merits, which is similar to a not guilty verdict in adult court, according to court records.
—Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Oct. 2025
Former Big Brother winner Cody Calafiore hosted the roundtable, talking to the six jurors about the merits of the Final 3.
—Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 28 Sep. 2025
There is a thread about the merits of preserving memory, but it’s introduced a little too late and too flimsily to justify all that came before it.
—Lindsey Bahr, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
The Supreme Court majority followed that up yesterday by granting a longer-term stay that will keep Slaughter off the FTC at least until the court rules on the merits of the case.
—Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2025
Sure, there will always be some people who care, just as today there are nerds like me willing to debate the merits of writing for the Z80 versus the 6502 8-bit CPUs.
—Stephen Cass, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Sep. 2025
Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Best Naadam Original Sweater Styles for Fall It’s finally — gloriously — the season of the sweater, and that first chill in the air merits an examination of just how dependable and chic your current cashmere collection is.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025
Gardner’s photograph merits attention.
—Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
The attentive and gracious service merits applause and, along with the exciting Nikkei fare, a swift return visit.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025
But this week’s 6,000 exoplanet milestone merits celebration.
—Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The question today is whether the geopolitical West as a category merits similar skepticism.
—Stewart Patrick, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2025
The Manoah saga is ongoing and merits thousands of words of its own, but that's not the main story here.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
Oral arguments regarding the merits of the state’s appeal of the lower court decision are scheduled for January.
—Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Many legal experts felt Trump’s case was weak on its merits.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
His appeal is now moving, and his case will be heard on the merits in the coming months.
—Sean Nelson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Magistrate Tracye Hill dismissed both inducing panic charges on their merits, which is similar to a not guilty verdict in adult court, according to court records.
—Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Oct. 2025
Former Big Brother winner Cody Calafiore hosted the roundtable, talking to the six jurors about the merits of the Final 3.
—Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 28 Sep. 2025
There is a thread about the merits of preserving memory, but it’s introduced a little too late and too flimsily to justify all that came before it.
—Lindsey Bahr, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
The Supreme Court majority followed that up yesterday by granting a longer-term stay that will keep Slaughter off the FTC at least until the court rules on the merits of the case.
—Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2025
Sure, there will always be some people who care, just as today there are nerds like me willing to debate the merits of writing for the Z80 versus the 6502 8-bit CPUs.
—Stephen Cass, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
Another of Kapler’s former Giants coaches who merits consideration is current New York Mets first base coach Antoan Richardson, who played in the Giants’ minor league system and is among the brightest minds in the game.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Best Naadam Original Sweater Styles for Fall It’s finally — gloriously — the season of the sweater, and that first chill in the air merits an examination of just how dependable and chic your current cashmere collection is.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025
Gardner’s photograph merits attention.
—Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
The attentive and gracious service merits applause and, along with the exciting Nikkei fare, a swift return visit.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025
But this week’s 6,000 exoplanet milestone merits celebration.
—Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The question today is whether the geopolitical West as a category merits similar skepticism.
—Stewart Patrick, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2025
The Manoah saga is ongoing and merits thousands of words of its own, but that's not the main story here.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merits
Noun
-
Even if those made stateless were among the first to be deported, legal distinctions ceased to matter at some point.—
Time,
Time,
30 Sep. 2025
-
But the distinctions are essential in the tax universe.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Sure, Rico Dowdle deserves props for his 206 rushing yards and a TD.—
Michael Salfino,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Indy deserves honesty and safety!—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The document recognizes her contributions in the social and cultural spheres and describes her as a role model for her efforts and virtues, the Ecuadorian outlet El Universo reported.—
Sarah Moreno,
Miami Herald,
29 Sep. 2025
-
These proposals have certain virtues.—
ANDRIY ZAGORODNYUK,
Foreign Affairs,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
James allegedly lied on her paperwork, saying her New York property had four units instead of the proper five, which gives her mortgage advantages.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Oct. 2025
-
The potential advantages are clear.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The capsule includes just six pieces, each with a hangtag detailing its techniques and materials to better communicate the brand’s values to the customer.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
4 Oct. 2025
-
And the president is meeting with the Office of Management and Budget to try to understand what agencies are essential, what agencies do not align with the administration's priorities and values.—
Steve Inskeep,
NPR,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merits. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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