Synonyms of merits

merits 1 of 2

noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distinctions
• virtues
• advantages
• values
• graces
• excellencies
• excellences
• cardinal virtues
• superiorities
• pluses
• edges

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deficiencies
• demerits
• defects
• flaws
• faults
• failings
• drawbacks
• blemishes
• disvalues
• negatives
• minuses

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deserves
• earns
• qualifies
• entitles
• rates

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of merits

Noun

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

The question is whether the filing was made in time for a Johnson County judge to weigh it on its merits or if Kris Kobach’s office missed the deadline for requesting a new trial. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026

South Africa’s case accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention remains pending before the International Court of Justice, which has issued several provisional measures but has not ruled on the merits. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026

By Saturday evening, Gakpo had been convinced about the merits of joining City and had agreed terms, meaning the Ndiaye interest was put on the back burner. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Polite, slightly puzzling debates over the merits of using concrete in Africa muffle the period’s scalding passions and incandescent dreams. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2026

The merits of the new rule are expected to reach the Supreme Court before the November election. — Jen Fifield, ProPublica, 2 Sep. 2026

The Supreme Court cannot avoid deciding this on the merits of the case. — John J. Martin, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026

With interest rates comparable to the top CD accounts, savers may be wondering about the merits of transferring their $40,000 into a high-yield savings account instead. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Verb

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

Murton is convinced that merits more attention given Rincon’s age, position and offensive output. — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Lundgaard, bound by contract, cannot seek other teams but believes his performance merits retention. — Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026