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
Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
The administration cites other recent Supreme Court decisions upholding -- on an interim basis -- the president's firing of members of independent agencies during the pendency of litigation on the merits, which could take up to two years.
—Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2025
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
But with some in the role now stepping back down into PA jobs, people who once might have been interested in taking the AD path can feel that there aren’t enough opportunities to merit all the legwork.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
The high court’s decision did not address the underlying merits of the lawsuit, which contests the Department of Homeland Security’s revocation policy.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
The administration cites other recent Supreme Court decisions upholding -- on an interim basis -- the president's firing of members of independent agencies during the pendency of litigation on the merits, which could take up to two years.
—Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
To accomplish the latter, first-year Saints coach Kellen Moore, a former Boise State quarterback, must show that the step up from offensive coordinator with the Super Bowl champion Eagles was merited.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
But with some in the role now stepping back down into PA jobs, people who once might have been interested in taking the AD path can feel that there aren’t enough opportunities to merit all the legwork.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
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The only Sacagawea dollar coin sold at the auction without the distinction of having been flown to space was sold for $120,000.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
15 Sep. 2025
-
The biggest distinction is at coordinator.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The system yields superior thermoelectric performance and higher average ZT values than previously reported p-type AgCuTe materials.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Sep. 2025
-
For mainstream buyers seeking a capable 16-inch system, the key is timing—Dell’s ever-spinning carousel of deals can turn this safe bet into a standout value, earning it our Editors' Choice award for midrange desktop replacements.—
Charles Jefferies,
PC Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
All Americans deserve clarity and accountability regarding the full extent of DOGE's role and influence at the Department of Education.—
Arthur Jones II,
ABC News,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Ultimately, the network architects are responsible, but as Wyden has argued, Microsoft deserves blame, too, for failing to make the risks and precautionary measures for Kerberoasting more explicit.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
At stake is the Supporters’ Shield for the league’s best overall record, home-field advantage in the playoffs and a berth in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Sep. 2025
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All right, maybe not everything, but investors have been blessed with an abundance of advantages and good fundamental fortune, along with the policy help the market both hoped for and expected.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
20 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In 1987, the FCC also abolished the fairness doctrine, which required broadcasters to provide differing viewpoints when covering issues of public importance.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
19 Sep. 2025
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The Federal Aviation Administration asked airlines to evaluate their safety messages to passengers and emphasize the importance of leaving belongings behind in an evacuation.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Ironically, the old-school virtues (honesty, excellent service, treating people right) are the edgiest competitive strategy in the cutthroat modern market.—
Boris Kontsevoi,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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William Osler, who practiced and taught medicine across the English-speaking world around the turn of the twentieth century, positioned aequanimitas—equanimity—as a primary virtue for physicians.—
Rachel Pearson,
Harpers Magazine,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In 1996, The Webby Awards were launched to honor excellence on the internet at a time when the web itself was still a novelty.—
Ian Shepherd,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Royals catcher Carter Jensen headlined the list of organizational award-winners who demonstrated excellence on and off the field.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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