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
Garrett Downs,
CNBC,
2 July 2026
Funding decisions would be made based on what one political party wanted to be true rather than on scientific merit.
—
ArsTechnica,
2 July 2026
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
And momentous enough to merit him a post-match kiss from Queen Máxima of The Netherlands, who along with King Willem-Alexander attended in honor of the autonomous constituent country within the Dutch Kingdom.
—
Kansas City Star,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
But the justices, in a 5-4 decision, left the door open to Cook being fired on the merits.
—
Garrett Downs,
CNBC,
2 July 2026
Funding decisions would be made based on what one political party wanted to be true rather than on scientific merit.
—
ArsTechnica,
2 July 2026
Verb
Such failings merits more analysis but there is surely some truth in left back Ali Abdi’s comments after a 4-0 filleting by Japan in their second game.
—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
And momentous enough to merit him a post-match kiss from Queen Máxima of The Netherlands, who along with King Willem-Alexander attended in honor of the autonomous constituent country within the Dutch Kingdom.
—
Kansas City Star,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
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The film carries a further distinction as one of the first war features shot entirely in Bali.
-
It is earned through transparency, verification, and a clear distinction between fact, inference, and speculation.
Noun
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Household incomes average $376,741, and home values average $2 million.
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The Central African country is the world’s largest producer of cobalt and controls vast stores of copper, gold, and lithium; its mining sector is estimated to hold $24 trillion of mineral value.
Verb
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Three Asian sides made the knockout stage of the 2022 World Cup and so AFC has dropped off since then, even if the last two standing deserve respect in the round of 32.
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Not because a new appendix deserves a barnstorming tour, or because county unemployment data has suddenly become beach reading.
Noun
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The Red Sox tacked on two insurance runs in the seventh on Abreu’s sacrifice fly and Masataka Yoshida’s RBI single for a 7-3 advantage.
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Good luck with that message in flyover country when the revolutionaries don’t enjoy the advantages of light-turnout primaries.
Noun
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There is no public address system reminding some fans the importance of a looming third down.
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The importance of falling well has only grown as players have adapted movement patterns from clay and hard courts to grass.
Noun
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In response, Capital One treats AI fluency as an organizational virtue, not an individual credential.
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The same amount of venality and virtue exists today as did back then, and so human nature just doesn’t change.
Noun
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Sacramento State aligns perfectly with a league known for excellence and innovation.
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For Choice, this makes operational excellence and digital innovation closely connected.
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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