1
as in distinction
a quality that gives something special worth
this mystery novel at least has the merit of an original plot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in value
the relative usefulness or importance of something as judged by specific qualities
that idea has some merit, so let's explore it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of merit
Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Smith’s standout performance across the first three weeks of spring training must at least merit consideration.
—Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 7 Mar. 2025
Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025
The film’s score by Ghosh also merits special attention.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
The restraining order would only be in place while the court considers the merits of the case.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Smith’s standout performance across the first three weeks of spring training must at least merit consideration.
—Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
The 0-to-10 scale ranges from no hazard (Torino Scale 0), to normal (Torino Scale 1), to meriting attention by astronomers (Torino Scale 2 through 4), threatening (Torino Scale 5 through 7) to a certain collision (Torino Scale 8 through 10).
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025
The film’s score by Ghosh also merits special attention.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
But recently, two experts have made a cogent distinction.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
-
With 273 career home runs and 916 RBIs, all those All-Star games and that World Series MVP distinction and five Gold Gloves and five Silver Slugger awards, Perez has amassed the makings of a candidacy for the National Baseball Hall of Fame — where George Brett resides as the only primary Royal.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
These whiskies are outstanding and at less that $60, represent exceptional value.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Her post has amassed over 9,000 upvotes to date, sparking a wide-ranging discussion about the value of gifts.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Michael Cole continued to insist that John Cena deserved to simply announce himself for the Chamber.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
-
The National Arboretum, long unjustly neglected, deserves a prominent place in the Fourth of July celebrations of 2026.—
Michael Brickman,
National Review,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
His 14 points before halftime gave St. John’s a four-point advantage at the break, while his one-handed dunk with 6:43 left in the second half served as a dagger as the Red Storm finally pulled away.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
2 Mar. 2025
-
These early experiments illustrated one of geothermal’s key advantages: it can be used for both electricity and heating, which collectively account for around thirty-eight per cent of global climate emissions.—
Brent Crane,
The New Yorker,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Still, the Europeans underlined the importance of the moment.—
TIME,
TIME,
6 Mar. 2025
-
During her acceptance speech, Cheyenne Woods emphasized the importance of being a player of African descent in professional golf and didn't forget to reference her illustrious uncle.—
Russel Honoré,
Newsweek,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
And people who’ve just moved into senior roles are particularly vulnerable to losing their virtues.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
-
To Iñárritu, Prieto’s greatest virtue is his flexibility, both stylistic and personal.—
Stephania Taladrid,
The New Yorker,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Salah’s campaign at Liverpool demonstrates that excellence is measured on the pitch, and his record-breaking feats challenge any notion that a lack of continental silverware diminishes his candidacy for the Ballon d’Or.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
-
The Edmonton Oilers have delivered excellence under coach Kris Knoblauch since his arrival in November 2023.—
Allan Mitchell,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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