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
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Recent Examples of merit
Julia Shapero, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2025
However, the jury’s job was not to decide the merits of Bryan’s beliefs but to determine if John Scopes had violated the Butler Act, and that was never really in dispute.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2025
Tara Suter, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025
The forms are deceptively simple — a designer will spot the genius in them, but a layperson may not understand why pedestrian objects like a toaster, egg cup or sink may merit inclusion in a museum show.
—Rima Suqi, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for merit 
Noun
This could entail a decision on the merits of the case — the First Amendment question at hand — or a decision on TikTok’s emergency request to put the law on hold.
—Julia Shapero, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2025
However, the jury’s job was not to decide the merits of Bryan’s beliefs but to determine if John Scopes had violated the Butler Act, and that was never really in dispute.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
The statement also said that the FBI had received more than 5,000 reports of drone sightings in weeks prior, though only a small fraction merited follow-up.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025
The forms are deceptively simple — a designer will spot the genius in them, but a layperson may not understand why pedestrian objects like a toaster, egg cup or sink may merit inclusion in a museum show.
—Rima Suqi, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
Right now, the Knicks hover on the edge of that distinction.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
19 Jan. 2025
-
The distinction between a diplomatic negotiator and an intelligence operative is vague in the region, and Mr. Burns’s arrivals and departures could be stealthy.—
Julian E. Barnes,
New York Times,
18 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Diversity focuses on representation, equity focuses on fairness and impartiality, and inclusion relates to a sense of belonging and value no matter an employee's background.—
Rebecca Schneid,
TIME,
25 Jan. 2025
-
Unfortunately, while Ford famously swept the three podium spots, the car on offer failed to finish, though its rarity and contribution to motorsport history add to its blue-chip value.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
This Amazon comedy deserved to be a bigger hit — but these friends will stay with us forever.—
EW Staff,
EW.com,
25 Jan. 2025
-
Trump was asked by a reporter on Tuesday at a White House press conference why Rodriguez deserved a pardon for stunning a police officer, along with others convicted of assaulting officers.—
Claire Healy,
Miami Herald,
25 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
With a small majority in the Senate, and a wafer-thin GOP advantage in the House, this is just wishful thinking on the part of Rep. Ogles.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
25 Jan. 2025
-
Carolina has this cap flexibility advantage because it’s been ruthless over the years about letting non-star UFAs walk.—
Harman Dayal,
The Athletic,
25 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Satur reflected on the growing importance of Thailand on the world fashion stage, with other Thai stars making the front row during men’s and couture weeks.—
Rhonda Richford,
WWD,
29 Jan. 2025
-
The bipartisan survey, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and Lake Research Partners, shows that nearly 74% of voters believe vaccines should be widely accessible, with 81% emphasizing the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in vaccine development.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
For many professionals, the relentless pursuit of goals, often at the expense of personal well-being, has been elevated to a virtue.—
Amy Blankson,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
-
If these bathrooms are supposedly for the public, then by virtue of excluding certain people, the message is that their needs are not for consideration.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Not all Vin de France wines are emblems of excellence or ingenuity.—
Anna Lee C. Iijima,
Bon Appétit,
22 Jan. 2025
-
His leadership fostered a culture of creativity and excellence, ensuring Vidanta remains at the forefront of the luxury travel.—
Eric Fuller,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near merit
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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