MERITORIOUS Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

meritorious

adjective

ˌmer-ə-ˈtȯr-ē-əs

Definition of meritorious

as in worthy

deserving of high regard or great approval worked all night with meritorious determination to get the project done on time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in good

having sufficient worth or merit to receive one's honor, esteem, or reward all agreed that the most meritorious science project had won the competition

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 meritorious Players’ attorneys argue that more restrictive criteria serve to restrict Parkinson’s claims that are meritorious, a point of view disputed by NFL attorneys. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 June 2026 He has been recognized six times by the Police Department for excellent and meritorious police duty, according to the NYPD’s website. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026 MacVean, who lived in Point Loma for nearly 50 years, was lauded for his work, receiving the Distinguished Service Medal on two occasions for meritorious service. — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025 The award would recognize those nominated for bravery or meritorious awards under the existing Australian Honors and Awards system for their actions during and after the attack, according to The Associated Press. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for meritorious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for meritorious

Adjective

Goei maps out a guide for The Times of how an Angeleno can make the long-but-worthy trip there (including how to snag an $80 round-trip flight).

— Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
But those that are purchase-worthy are finding a growing crowd of younger entrepreneurs eager to buy at the right price.

— John Schroyer, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of worthy

Adjective

The next best thing to intravenous intervention when dehydrated is Liquid IV.

— Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Our best guess is that there might be a little bit of recognition for the youngest generations, too, watching all those clips — as in, Holy cow, Austin Powers was real!

— Chris Willman, Variety, 7 July 2026

Definition of good

Adjective

While San Francisco’s bullpen is struggling, Rogers is in the midst of another excellent season after signing a three-year, $37 million deal to join the defending American League champions.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
Guests can borrow, for no charge, one of four Mate e-bikes for spins around the park or beyond, say to Tanimachi nearby for local neighborhood vibes, including charming izakayas, gyoza shops, and excellent, one-woman restaurants such as Tachiaoi.

— Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

There are many other admirable individuals to spotlight who champion reading for children and young people.

— Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
But the spirit in which the challenge was launched was admirable and rooted in the fierce competitiveness that both made the SWC fun and perpetuated its demise.

— Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of admirable

Adjective

While the exterior features of the shed are certainly praiseworthy, the construction of the structure is also impressive.

— Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
Outside of Zach Benson and Josh Doan, not many Sabres skaters had praiseworthy performances in this game.

— Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 11 May 2026

Definition of praiseworthy

Adjective

That’s a laudable goal, of course, except Soon-Shiong’s proclamations are mostly fluff, financially self-serving and have led to FDA wrist-slapping.

— Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 18 June 2026
The ambition is laudable and has characterized this institution from the beginning.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026

Definition of laudable

Adjective

The Botanist is one of the best restaurants in Vancouver; the Lobby Lounge and RawBar, a commendable drinking den.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
There's a loyalty that Maggie has for people in her life, which is a commendable thing about a human.

— Joelle Goldstein, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Definition of commendable

Adjective

And yet Cape Verde, remarkably, gave them a genuine and creditable scare.

— James Horncastle, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Pittsburgh and Midvale employed the first metallurgical chemists; William Sellers did the first creditable work with tool steel; the first chemical-dye factory opened.

— Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 14 Feb. 2026

Definition of creditable

Browse Nearby Words

meritless

meritorious

merits

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“Meritorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meritorious. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of meritorious

adjective

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