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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of merit
Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2025
Both concerns have some merit, but neither cancels out the undeniable fact that the United States is flush with millionaires.
—Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 25 Mar. 2025
Even if the job title and the historic nature of the appointment might have merited it, the word was misleading.
—A.d. Carson, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
Whatever the short-term payoff for individuals or companies that pay bribes, when resources go to corruption instead of research, reward shortcuts instead of merit, and encourage rent-seeking rather than value creation, growth and innovation will suffer.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2025
Both concerns have some merit, but neither cancels out the undeniable fact that the United States is flush with millionaires.
—Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
Where Taylor gets his at-bats – and whether his performance will merit them – is less clear.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 25 Mar. 2025
Even if the job title and the historic nature of the appointment might have merited it, the word was misleading.
—A.d. Carson, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
This effectively removes the distinction between mainstream and AI stacks.—
Dinesh Subhraveti,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
With his first career homer, Wilson earned the distinction of blasting the A’s first home run at Sutter Health Park, doing so in the March 31 home opener vs. the Seattle Mariners.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Wier initially didn’t receive credit for her connection series in the routine, lowering the start value.—
Henry Chappell,
Kansas City Star,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Castellanos, in previous years, might not have seen the bigger value in that.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
These guys deserve their flowers, but guys in the past also deserve those.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The market is volatile, and employees deserve clarity.—
Julia Korn,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Atlanta took advantage, with Trae Young driving for a layup to tie the score at 106 with 1.3 seconds remaining and force overtime.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The Stars finished with a 50-26-6 record, edging out Colorado for second in the division and home ice advantage in this series.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Prosecutors have stressed the importance of Mortensen’s testimony as the only living person to see the intruder.—
Jean Casarez,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The future is incredibly inspiring as the brand continues to create awareness around the importance of fitness, movement and wellness.—
Amy Shoenthal,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Modern business culture is in a constant state of evolution, and what was once seen as a virtue can sometimes be misinterpreted as a vice.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Rather, the influencers who extol offal’s virtues seem to do so on the basis of its nutrient density.—
Valerie Trapp,
The Atlantic,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Your business will reach new levels of excellence while protecting your team and your sanity.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
This wide array of automobile excellence displays how the automotive industry has transformed from usage to power, comfort, luxury or efficiency.—
Marc D. Grasso,
New York Daily News,
13 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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