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
Brooke Schedneck, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2025
Bottom line for defence Emberson’s cap hit (under $1 million) is well shy of Broberg’s, and Bowman’s claim about roster shakeup certainty on matching has some merit in this part of the transaction.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
CBS News, 13 Mar. 2025
The result merits careful attention not for its innovative arguments, but as an impassioned, arresting example of how Brown skepticism, which initially gained traction on the fringes of Black life, has come to hold considerable appeal within the Black intellectual mainstream.
—Justin Driver, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
The main intention behind interacting with a monk or visiting a temple is to make merit.
—Brooke Schedneck, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2025
Bottom line for defence Emberson’s cap hit (under $1 million) is well shy of Broberg’s, and Bowman’s claim about roster shakeup certainty on matching has some merit in this part of the transaction.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
Last November, Kristi and Steve Goncalves, the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, said the details of the case show the death penalty is merited.
—CBS News, 13 Mar. 2025
The result merits careful attention not for its innovative arguments, but as an impassioned, arresting example of how Brown skepticism, which initially gained traction on the fringes of Black life, has come to hold considerable appeal within the Black intellectual mainstream.
—Justin Driver, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
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After a rapid redesign – and with the city's enthusiastic blessing – it was built as the nation's first fire resilient community, a distinction touted by KB Home Coastal and confirmed by insurance groups.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2025
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However, there is a distinction between challenging a founder to think critically and tearing them down.—
David Nour,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The median home value in ZIP code 63124 was already well above the home values of other expensive ZIP codes, having a median of $804,799 back in February 2020, a time when no other ZIP codes even exceeded $700,000.—
Andrew DePietro,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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The clip, which has garnered over 359,000 views, sparked a discussion in the comments and saw other parents share the different food values they were taught while growing up.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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However, this doesn't mean every issue raised deserves the same level of attention or resources—leaders must still prioritize based on strategic importance.—
Tracy Lawrence,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Well deserving journalists are allowed special access to President Donald Trump, White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich has told a judge.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Here, the compact yet powerful bruiser’s professional training and quick thinking give him the advantage over bigger and better-armed adversaries, turning anything, from a bucket of nails to a stray sledgehammer, into a deadly weapon.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
26 Mar. 2025
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Cybercriminals understand this mindset and take full advantage of it.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Recently, Thomas-Rios sat down with The Kansas City Star’s culture and identity reporter, J.M. Banks, to talk about the importance of volunteering, honing her leadership skills and managing the upcoming conference.—
J.M. Banks,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2025
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Jenny Michel, a commercial real estate professional and affordable housing advocate, emphasized the importance of a downtown location for workers.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
29 Mar. 2025
Noun
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By virtue of their ethical obligations to look out for the best interests of the company, a team’s in-house attorneys will generally be on guard for problematic practices and seek to correct them.—
Chris Deubert,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
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From Breakfast Casserole to Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, Southern Living readers know a thing or two about the virtues of a bake-it-and-take-it meal.—
Catherine Jessee,
Southern Living,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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For a season of excellence against top opponents and delivering in big game after big game, Burries is The Times’ boys’ basketball player of the year.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2025
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In an age of standardized luxury, the resort stands apart – a testament to the power of family, the beauty of authentic hospitality and the unmistakable excellence that comes from a deep love of place and people.—
Melissa Noel,
Essence,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
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