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

Under the change, applications would be sorted into three broad categories of merit, while their overall score, as determined by a panel of experts, would remain a secret. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026 While the probe is progressing, some inside the DOJ are concerned about its legal merits. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Verb

Consider your furniture carefully To pull off a successful move, furniture merits a little extra TLC. — Perri Ormont Blumberg, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026 That merits an asterisk next to the case’s Extended-ATX board support. — Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for merit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit

Noun

That distinction shows both the opportunity for American technology and the limits imposed by remaining dependencies.

— Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
The city institution, which artistic director Robert Drake describes as Georgia's longest-running theater, also holds the distinction of being the first professional theater to integrate both its casts and audience in the southeastern United States.

— La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of distinction

Noun

The federal government was preparing to change its rules on low-value imports, threatening her ability to purchase cheaper prescription medications for blood thinning and heart failure from Canada.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
That’s 35% of the value of the S&P 500 and the highest concentration in a handful of stocks since just before the crash of 1929.

— Ming Lu, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of value

Noun

Though 57% of voters say the Democratic Party does not have a clear vision for the future, Republicans hold no advantage in this category either, according to a CBS News poll released on Sunday.

— Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2026
Joe Burrow gives the Bengals the quarterback advantage, and the extra preparation strengthens their case.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of advantage

Noun

These findings point to the importance of substantive local relationships for multinational companies.

— Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
The trade association acknowledged Children’s Mercy’s importance in providing specialized pediatric care, but said ACA coverage must remain financially sustainable across Missouri’s health care system.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of importance

Noun

The virtue-signaling from the insufferable COVID summer of 2020 turned a lot of people off, rightfully so.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
The nod to purity emphasized the paint brand’s relationship to cleanliness and virtue, and possibly other notions of bigotry.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of virtue

Noun

The annual awards recognize podcasts and creators shaping the future of audio through innovation, impact and excellence in storytelling.

— AJC Communications, AJC.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Former President Barack Obama has offered a similar perspective, arguing that excellence often requires periods of intense focus at the expense of other priorities.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of excellence

Browse Nearby Words

meridians

merit

merited

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of merit

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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