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
Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026
Those seeking relief from deportation, including asylum, do so at an individual merits hearing.
—Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026
Odette Yousef, NPR, 24 Jan. 2026
On-the-job safety comes to mind quickly, but consumer product safety merits attention.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
The justices are not being asked to rule on the merits of the underlying legal challenge.
—Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026
Those seeking relief from deportation, including asylum, do so at an individual merits hearing.
—Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
Despite disagreement with Weaver's politics, however, legislators at that time appeared to agree that the policy and conduct of federal agents merited scrutiny.
—Odette Yousef, NPR, 24 Jan. 2026
On-the-job safety comes to mind quickly, but consumer product safety merits attention.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
The law names city, county, and other local agencies, as well as federal law enforcement agencies, but notably does not include law enforcement officers employed by the state, creating a distinction that the judge found discriminatory against federal agents.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
-
This distinction is fast becoming one of the most consequential competitive fault lines in modern markets.—
Christopher Vollmer,
Fortune,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Trump has instead argued for protecting existing owners who have watched the values of their homes climb.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
-
This is why sports retain the rare commercial value as live programming.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The public deserves answers on this and a better understanding of what this means for their everyday costs.—
DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The Tigers were put in the awkward position of arguing why the two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner deserved the lower salary—the arbitration process requires a three-person panel to pick one number or the other.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Ebba Andersson tumbled and snapped the ski binding in the second leg, giving Norway the advantage on a day where warm weather caused slushy corners that created havoc in the early stages.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The main challenge is ensuring redistricting is fair, transparent, and based on accurate population data—not drawn to protect incumbents or maximize partisan advantage.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Van Der Beek spoke with USA TODAY in August 2025 about the importance of catching it early.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
-
The collaboration between Fincantieri and Generative Bionics also holds strategic importance in strengthening European technological sovereignty by drawing on expertise developed across research institutions and the advanced industrial supply chain.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The debate occurred during Socrates’s inquiry into human virtue, recounted in Plato’s Republic.—
Paul Rosenzweig,
Washington Post,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Casting all the virtue and vice signaling on the political spectrum aside with his straightforward embrace of America, Bunny then gave viewers a geography lesson by listing the countries that make up the Americas.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Robb demonstrates excellence in both her academic and extracurricular pursuits.—
Darla Rivera,
Oklahoman,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Pettit said District 86’s long history of educational excellence was key in his interest to come.—
Chuck Fieldman,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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