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
Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
Frankly, both had done enough to merit promotion — but EFL begrudgingly grants just one automatic place to the National League, and another via a round of play-offs.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Still, Chief Wallabee, who is owned by Michael and Katherine Ball, has shown enough promise to merit favoritism — and possibly get Mott into the Florida Derby winner’s circle for the first time.
—Clark Spencer, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
The Supreme Court gave no reasoning, did not weigh on the merits, and stripped over hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans of their TPS, leaving them vulnerable to detention and deportation.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
Frankly, both had done enough to merit promotion — but EFL begrudgingly grants just one automatic place to the National League, and another via a round of play-offs.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
Just as memorably, 1976 also saw the release of an impressive number of superior debut albums that would surely merit a Top 10 list of their own.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Still, Chief Wallabee, who is owned by Michael and Katherine Ball, has shown enough promise to merit favoritism — and possibly get Mott into the Florida Derby winner’s circle for the first time.
—Clark Spencer, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
Among its many distinctions, SPLC is known for bankrupting the Ku Klux Klan.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The distinction between users and professionals is sometimes clear and other times not so obvious.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Though the value can be criticized, Love is immediately going to make Arizona’s offense exponentially better.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Under state law, the department should have gathered data on at least three comparable properties and their corresponding values, the report reads.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This more aggressive approach is long overdue and deserves bipartisan support.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Isaacman, who was confirmed in December 2025 as NASA's administrator, recently reiterated his belief that Pluto rightfully deserves to have its planetary status restored.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Minutes earlier, Kelsy took advantage of an uncharacteristically lax exchange, blindsiding Jeppe Tverskov to take possession and create an instant breakaway opportunity.—
Ryan Finley,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Okongwu took advantage of it and drove to the basket for a quick shot.—
Lauren Williams,
AJC.com,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Charles, who is well-known for his love of nature and the importance of sustainability, fed chickens in a coop together with the kids.—
Emma Caughlan,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Through their applause and standing ovations, Democrats showed more support than many Republicans for the monarch’s remarks, particularly on the importance of NATO and environmental protection.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In that competition, loyalty is an expensive virtue.—
Wael Mahdi,
semafor.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
But patience can sometimes be a death knell in the playoffs, and Game 4 showed how a lack of it can be a virtue.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The appointment recognizes academic excellence and fosters international collaboration through short-term exchange programs, a release said.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The Nuggets are no longer measured by excellence, but effort.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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