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
Alessia Sandala, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
That’s why some Fed officials, including Chair Jerome Powell, have preached the merits of waiting patiently before deciding to cut rates.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
Brian Bennett, Time, 27 June 2025
Frankly, these design tweaks probably wouldn’t merit a whole new Windows version.
—Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
The scouts earn a merit badge after completing each training.
—Alessia Sandala, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
That’s why some Fed officials, including Chair Jerome Powell, have preached the merits of waiting patiently before deciding to cut rates.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
Verb
But the Administration has not shown evidence to a court or the public that all of those men were gang members or posed a threat to public safety that merits their being imprisoned in another country.
—Brian Bennett, Time, 27 June 2025
Frankly, these design tweaks probably wouldn’t merit a whole new Windows version.
—Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
Disinformation — the purposeful bending of, or negating, the truth — is used to destroy reputations, shatter trust, change political regimes, win at all costs, and muddy our distinctions between what is real and true, and what is blatantly false and biased.—
Davia Temin,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
-
At least one member appeared to struggle to understand the distinction between a vaccine’s efficacy and its effectiveness.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Twin Cities,
3 July 2025
Noun
-
Take this Dior set, with a serum, cream, and lotion packed away in a plush travel bag—a $219 value for just $160!—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
12 July 2025
-
Stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a constant value, usually a 1:1 dollar peg, are commonly used by crypto traders to move funds between tokens.—
Niket Nishant,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
Target $130 $70 (46% off) Walmart In the world of USB microphones, Blue’s Yeti deserves a place on Mt. Rushmore.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
12 July 2025
-
But that’s still better than nothing, and these lawmakers deserve credit for persisting in shining a light on this very dark, still-emerging chapter of our state’s history.—
Steve Bousquet,
Sun Sentinel,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
Yet Crawley carved out her niche not through aggressive marketing spend but through product innovation that photographs well—a crucial advantage in the Instagram economy.—
Sughnen Yongo,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
Analysis by German football correspondent Sebastian Stafford-Bloor Tillman has some advantages.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
Indoor facilities have grown in importance as MLS considers aligning its schedule with the biggest global soccer leagues.—
Jason Clinkscales,
Sportico.com,
1 July 2025
-
While some fans expressed disappointment for the change, many emphasized the importance of it.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
High-net-worth individuals, particularly business owners, professionals and investors, often face elevated exposure to legal risk simply by virtue of their visibility and success.—
Blake Harris,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Just by virtue of being president, Trump has bolstered this belief of mine.—
Carlo Versano,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Their stories—rooted in resilience, strategy, faith, and fire—speak directly to Black women and girls watching, learning, and preparing to take their place in the lineage of excellence.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
10 July 2025
-
Since opening in 2010, our Center has become a beacon of research and therapeutic excellence.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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