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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of merit
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 6 Feb. 2025
In 1883, Congress created the United States Civil Service Commission to replace the Spoils System with merit hiring and use professional qualification tests to determine job readiness.
—Marj Halperin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Consider your furniture carefully To pull off a successful move, furniture merits a little extra TLC.
—Perri Ormont Blumberg, Architectural Digest, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for merit 
Noun
Legal experts, however, believe the suit has little actual legal merit.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 6 Feb. 2025
In 1883, Congress created the United States Civil Service Commission to replace the Spoils System with merit hiring and use professional qualification tests to determine job readiness.
—Marj Halperin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
These exceptional whiskies, among the oldest ever released by the distillery, are not just ultra-aged expressions but experiences that merit the title Whisky of Distinction.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Consider your furniture carefully To pull off a successful move, furniture merits a little extra TLC.
—Perri Ormont Blumberg, Architectural Digest, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
That distinction — great — belongs to the NBA’s true title contenders, a category that remains exclusive.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
9 Feb. 2025
-
Gillett has led with confidence, grace, and distinction, carrying out the exact mandate of our legislative body.—
Rep. Jaime Foster,
Hartford Courant,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Brings a ton of defensive value, defensive versatility, really good baserunner.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Good value and salesmanship are no longer enough to get in the door.—
Jason Phillips,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Lincoln, born February 12, deserves a holiday as much as any American, but standalone celebrations of Lincoln have been in decline.—
The Editors,
National Review,
17 Feb. 2025
-
Chicago’s children deserve a district that is both academically ambitious and financially sound.—
Sendhil Revuluri,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
As industries across manufacturing, energy, and logistics embrace this transformation, the stakes for competitive advantage have never been higher.—
Peter Bendor-Samuel,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Another avenue for lawsuits against non-generative AI use is legal protections for trade secrets; trade secrets, which provide a competitive business advantage, are not known or shared with the public and reflect efforts designed to keep information secret.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Adam Kubler, employment services coordinator for the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities, emphasized the importance of seeing remote work as an accommodation, one that's already in place.—
Gene Myers,
USA TODAY,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Amid recent efforts to challenge, or in some cases, completely erase the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), the National Football League (NFL) remains steadfast in its commitment to embracing and celebrating all people.—
John Lawson,
Essence,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
About two dozen trustees serve by virtue of their government office, such as the librarian of Congress, the secretary of state, the mayor of Washington and the speaker and the minority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives.—
E. Andrew Taylor,
The Conversation,
17 Feb. 2025
-
Using satirical allegory, broad farce, horror and violence, the visionary Korean master has made a string of standout genre films that double as subversive takes on sociopolitical rot, from Memories of Murder to The Host, Snowpiercer to Parasite, frequently making a virtue of tonal whiplash.—
David Rooney,
The Hollywood Reporter,
15 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
His leadership and innovative approach have earned him a reputation for excellence, both in the courtroom and beyond.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA TODAY,
15 Feb. 2025
-
In the Fort Worth-area, Diamond Hill-Jarvis boys soccer is in a league of its own and sets the gold standard for excellence.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near merit
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share