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

In 2019, employees questioned the luxury benefits and sought an investigation, while the nonprofit’s attorney said outside reviewers found the allegations without merit. — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 Purists may debate the merits of servicing and restoration, but there’s no disputing the bragging rights that come with owning a Daytona tied to one of motorsport’s historic victories. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026

Verb

That merits an asterisk next to the case’s Extended-ATX board support. — Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026 Burts-Parker said she was rattled and left with concerns on whether a serious incident had happened over the weekend that merited a sizable response from federal law enforcement. — Angie Orellana Hernandez, Washington Post, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for merit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit

Noun

This distinction is especially important for companies whose supply chains involve multiple countries, with raw materials, components, and finished goods crossing borders at different stages.

— Shannon Hynds, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Advertisement Yet experts say the distinction between the two systems is not always clear, particularly given how closely their underlying technology and operations are connected.

— Tiago Ventura, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of distinction

Noun

The agreement includes an option that could increase its total value to approximately $91 million, further expanding American industrial involvement in the programme.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
Part of Borromeo’s mandate was to tighten the product assortment, boost the company’s profitability and return it back to its foundational values and DNA.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of value

Verb

The Horned Frogs’ defense deserves a ton of credit for shutting down a Baylor offense that scored 55 points and rolled up 564 yards in its last game against Arizona State.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
American consumers deserved bargains on digital watches, pocket calculators, and primitive computers.

— Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of deserve

Noun

Ohio polling raises questions Advertisement As polling consistently shows an advantage for Acton, Republicans are increasingly arguing that the polls may be wrong by just enough to give Ramaswamy the win.

— Philip Elliott, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
Firms that know exactly where the line sits hold quiet advantages their competitors cannot purchase or replicate.

— Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of advantage

Noun

The princess has also increasingly made the importance of nature a focus of her work, including last year's release of a four-part video series on the power of nature.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
Silver’s comments underscore the importance the league places on obtaining that information.

— Jessica Golden,Contessa Brewer, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of importance

Noun

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
For Monday meditation, the teaching group has assigned the 10 paramis (spiritual virtues) of Buddhism, which explore topics like generosity, wisdom and patience.

— Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of virtue

Noun

Don’t expect the surrounding restaurants and bars to meet the level of excellence of Can Ferrereta, but do trust that they are locally owned and honest in their offer.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026
Appreciation of beauty and excellence ranks near the top of her list, along with gratitude and zest.

— Allison Aubrey, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of excellence

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meridians

merit

merited

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Style

“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of merit

noun

verb

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