DEMERIT Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

demerit

noun

di-ˈmer-ət

Definition of demerit

as in weakness

a defect in character my keyboarding has the advantage of speed but the demerit of inaccuracy

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of demerit Fresca Palapa drink stand at 2601 Preston Road scored three demerits and was temporarily closed after health inspectors noted water was not available in the kiosk and there was a lack of water in the three-compartment sink. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026 Lord’s had not previously accumulated any demerit points; the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have 14 days to appeal against the ICC’s sanction. — Paul Newman, New York Times, 9 June 2026 The biggest demerit on season 27 would be the White Locust twist. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026 After a long ride to Maryland in a honey vat, Garth is able to sneak Daisy back inside the school with only a demerit for smoking. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for demerit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demerit

Noun

Question Ford is not alone in exposing the offensive line weakness on the depth chart.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
According to Briggs, work has become synonymous with busyness and resting is seen as a sign of weakness or something taken only as an extreme reward.

— John Hall, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of weakness

Noun

Detecting a developing problem early can therefore be important for keeping the wider system available and preventing a localized fault from becoming a larger operational issue.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
The wire is intended to provide a safe path for electricity to travel to earth in the event of a fault or surge.

— Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of fault

Noun

The club’s shortcomings were particularly evident in the Arsenal loss, as Mateo Kovačić and Nico O’Reilly were outclassed all afternoon.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2026
These structural shortcomings mean that Southeast Asian governments can’t be too ambitious in their AI strategies.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of shortcoming

Noun

That Chansiri squandered that vast backing can be listed among his abundant failings.

— Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Rather than treating a tired parent’s short fuse as a personal failing, the research suggests sleep, stress and parenting operate as part of a larger system.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of failing

Noun

Ultimately, underperformance often signals leadership deficiencies, including poor recruitment and inadequate team management, rather than external market forces.

— Bill Holmes, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Some experts have interpreted this update as focusing on optimizing health as opposed to ensuring adequate protein intake to avoid deficiency.

— Linda M. Boland, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of deficiency

Browse Nearby Words

dementia

demerit

demerits

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Style

“Demerit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demerit. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of demerit

noun

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