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
Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 2 May 2026
Both were calm, respectful and attentive during the nearly two-hour hearing, which hashed out the merits of their competing temporary protective orders.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 1 May 2026
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026
While the char siu and pork belly draw plenty of attention — as well as regular lines out the door — her panang curry merits equal regard.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
In addition to asking for a stay of the lower court’s ruling, Danco Laboratories urged the justices to take the case up on the merits.
—Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 2 May 2026
Both were calm, respectful and attentive during the nearly two-hour hearing, which hashed out the merits of their competing temporary protective orders.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 1 May 2026
Verb
DeSantis is arguing that Florida’s significant growth over the past few years merits a redraw of the state’s congressional boundaries.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026
While the char siu and pork belly draw plenty of attention — as well as regular lines out the door — her panang curry merits equal regard.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
This heroically eccentric diner draws no distinction between vegetarianism and hedonism.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
The settlement is also intended to maintain a credible distinction between college and pro sports.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
The high production values and frequent genre-hopping were inspired by the sketch-comedy duo Key and Peele, whom Barker grew up watching religiously.—
Alex Barasch,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
-
Winner may not substitute, assign or transfer Prize or redeem Prize for cash, but Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to substitute Prize (or portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value.—
AJC.com,
AJC.com,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
The American people deserve a Congress that fights for them, regardless of who holds the gavel.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
With Tarrant County prices shifting and downtown high-rises competing with suburban subdivisions, the trade-offs deserve a closer look before anyone signs a contract.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Turn back the tape just a few weeks ago, to when the Five Stripes relinquished a 1-0 advantage in the final stretch to lose at home 2-1.—
Amna Subhan,
AJC.com,
10 May 2026
-
Blackwood made the initial stop, but Faber was there at the edge of the crease and the puck went off the Minnesota defenseman’s body and into the net to restore the three-goal advantage.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
What is the importance of drawing this distinction, though?—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
-
Saka’s importance to this Arsenal side cannot be overstated.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Foxman thrived for decades in a political culture where the establishment still mattered, and extremism was not considered a virtue.—
Ron Kampeas,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2026
-
Sharon had submitted a dozen couplets about the virtues of stay-at-home motherhood, as well as a rhyming list of reasons to believe in God.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
The staff also earned an excellence in video award.—
Los Angeles Times Staff,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
-
Under Bobby Cox, the Braves would fashion the longest run of regular-season excellence in the history of baseball, winning 14 consecutive division championships with all manner of players and teams but with one formidable constant — the manager.—
Mark Bradley for the AJC,
AJC.com,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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