MERIT Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

merit 1 of 2

noun

ˈmer-ət

Definition of merit

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

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

merit

2 of 2

verb

as in to deserve

to be or make worthy of (as a reward or punishment) that selfless act of heroism merited a public ceremony to honor the young swimmer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 merit

Noun

Pay attention, then, to the rate climate not only on the months in which the Fed holds its meeting but each day as multiple factors here can impact the merits of select interest-earning vehicles. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 Instead, the judge reviewed our case, saw the merits of our arguments, and issued a temporary restraining order to block the merger. — Rob Bonta, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026

Verb

Professor Mulligan, who also served as director of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office during the Biden administration, says the disappearance merits congressional scrutiny. — Aaron Glantz, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026 Before Crandall, severe cases would simply merit a closed casket; after him, virtually no corpse was too damaged to escape a mortician’s care. — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for merit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit

Noun

If consumers are inclined to believe a company behaved badly, the distinction between firing and non-renewal disappears.

— Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
That distinction is what policy is for — and what the AI copyright debate still too often misses.

— David Woodard, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of distinction

Noun

His position on Saturday, and his performance, will offer clarity about who the Eagles value in their depth along the offensive line — and where.

— Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
She is alleged to have touted that the company had a potential future value of more than $4 billion.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of value

Verb

The pastry chef deserves a special shout-out, too, not least for the doorstop wedge of baklava in Kafeneo.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Unusual circumstances can expand our understanding of an artist, raising legitimate questions and illuminating aspects of a career that deserves serious consideration.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of deserve

Noun

The Democrat leads Republican challenger Mike Collins in every major public poll, holds a massive fundraising advantage and is now trying to peel away GOP voters.

— Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called out his struggling club after a 6-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday cost them a significant tiebreaker in the race for home-field advantage.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of advantage

Noun

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said keeping gas prices low and ensuring Iran never gets a hold of a nuclear weapon are of equal importance to the president.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Getting losses down is of paramount importance to those clubs further down the pyramid, where Premier League riches are so far out of reach as to be a pipe dream.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of importance

Noun

Today, young people are increasingly frustrated with the hypocrisy of politicians lecturing them about the virtues of voting while in practice facilitating disengagement.

— David Neil, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
Just as uniformity is a virtue of a product, so uniqueness is a virtue of a service.

— Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of virtue

Noun

University of Michigan Director of Athletics Warde Manuel described the program as the next step in Michigan Athletics' proud tradition of excellence.

— Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Michigan fans will be happy in 2026 if Underwood learns and improves from a predictably uneven freshman season, and if Whittingham brings the maturity and excellence that has marked his coaching career.

— Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of excellence

Browse Nearby Words

meridians

merit

merited

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Style

“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of merit

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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