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
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Recent Examples of merit
Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2026
To be clear, keeping Dvorak around beyond this season does have its merits.
—Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
There may have been one too many statement pieces in her collection to merit the label, unlike her daughter-in-law Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.
—Andrea Cheng, InStyle, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
In a response filing, Herman blasted the allegations, calling them false and without merit.
—Verb
These provisions merit fuller treatment.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
Critics say those distinctions are arbitrary and unfair, being based on outdated assumptions and bad science.—
-
There is a subtle but important distinction that bears discussion.—
Noun
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Olathe’s trajectory mirrors what’s happening across Johnson County — which saw more than 90% of the homes go up in value in 2024, with the average home prices sitting at $508,000 and average sale price at $557,000.—
-
Cultural, linguistic, and value-based assimilation challenges arise, potentially altering national identities and eroding civilizational confidence.—
Verb
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If the offensive line deserved the MVP trophy in the Rose Bowl, the spoils should have gone to the defense here.—
-
Bath toys deserve a thorough cleaning at least monthly to remove body soil and soap scum that can invite mold and mildew to form.—
Noun
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From roster makeup to individual position battles to the coaches looking to exploit any advantage on the field, every bit of film is scrutinized to see which team has the advantage in January.—
-
Despite being given three power plays in the first, the B’s were not good at all on the man advantage.—
Noun
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Though their divorce was acrimonious, and the two were later involved in various legal proceedings, the source said that Clarkson knew the importance of her children’s relationship with their father.—
-
Middlebrooks echoed those concerns, emphasizing the importance of the services provided by the health system.—
Noun
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Carrying Mandarin-style wooden ducks (won-ang seteu) down the aisle symbolizes the groom's commitment to his partner and represents virtues like fidelity, harmony, and family in Korean culture.—
-
The virtue of me organizing words and putting them in order and being able to evoke different types of emotions in different types of personalities, that’s a great talent.—
Noun
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Her answer landed like a mic drop at Golden Eve, a new primetime special airing Thursday on CBS that celebrates work defined by excellence and lasting impact.—
-
The recognition places Dogwood among a small group of restaurants nationwide singled out for excellence in their first year on the dining scene.—
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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