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
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Recent Examples of merit
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2025
The court, which split on the merits of the lawsuit and Engoron’s fraud finding, dismissed the penalty in its entirety while also leaving a pathway for an appeal to the state’s highest court, the Court of Appeals.
—Nino Paoli, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2025
Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2025
The three other deaths did not even merit a mention.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
Although the network and legal experts said that the lawsuit was without merit, Paramount settled for $16 million.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2025
The court, which split on the merits of the lawsuit and Engoron’s fraud finding, dismissed the penalty in its entirety while also leaving a pathway for an appeal to the state’s highest court, the Court of Appeals.
—Nino Paoli, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
Step 1: Take inventory of small leftover ingredients in your fridge that don’t merit a whole dish on their own.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2025
The three other deaths did not even merit a mention.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
That distinction still belongs to B-Sides & Rarities, which only spent a single turn in absolute last place, at No. 100, in November 2005.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
In visceral and unrelenting prose, the novel troubles the easy distinctions between victim and perpetrator.—
Katie Kitamura
August 21,
Literary Hub,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Investing involves risk and your investment may lose value.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Barring catastrophic injury luck, Green Bay's draft picks won't hold much value.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The Administration deserves credit for undertaking its bold new whistleblower initiative.—
Alden Abbott,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
From Sriracha to Tabasco to hot honey, the world of spicy condiments is wide -- and harissa deserves a spot on your pantry shelf.—
CAROLE KOTKIN,
Miami Herald,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The companies that treat AI as a leadership imperative, not just a technical one, are likely to be the ones that create lasting advantage.—
Anand Subbaraj,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
My only advice is to do your homework and know there are advantages and disadvantages associated with any medical procedure.—
Bryant Stamford,
The Courier-Journal,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Upon accepting that award, Dobson stressed the importance of voters passing conservative ideology to the next generation, according to the Christian Post.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
21 Aug. 2025
-
Frazier, who was a key part of the 2024 club, knows the importance of playing winning baseball.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
What started in 2021 as a venue for green virtue signaling quickly ran into trouble as shareholders and Republican politicians balked at the notion of banks making choices based on climate aspirations rather than profit demands.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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By virtue of Seattle’s location, the Mariners always have a challenging travel schedule, but the back-to-back lengthy East Coast trips during the dog days of summer are an extra grind that no contending team should have to deal with.—
Jim Bowden,
New York Times,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Just like in Formula One, great product teams know how to assemble excellence from across an ecosystem and focus their in-house muscle on what really moves the needle.—
Sal Rehmetullah,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Luke and his unit were honored with a challenge coin symbolizing leadership, excellence and service.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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