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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of merit
Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024
Baking expert Prue Leith knows the merit of stale pastries.
—Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024
Devon Ivie, Vulture, 26 Nov. 2024
Aren’t there too many glamour shots of blond actresses whose characters never merit the devotion?
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for merit 
Noun
All season long, Squid Game has been asking us to think critically about the merits of majority rule, and Gi-hun is finally done waiting for the democratic process to work for him.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024
Baking expert Prue Leith knows the merit of stale pastries.
—Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
The phrase has even merited an entry into the dictionary.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 26 Nov. 2024
Aren’t there too many glamour shots of blond actresses whose characters never merit the devotion?
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
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That distinction belonged to Josh Allen, who, despite losing his top two receiving targets — including perennial Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs — last offseason, delivered another dominant campaign and led the Buffalo Bills to their latest AFC East crown.Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 Jan. 2025
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With the loss, the Vikings settled for the undesirable distinction of having the most wins for a wild-card team in league history.Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Today, due to falling LCFS credit value, biogas credits from one cow are worth closer to $1,600 annually.Kenny Torrella, Vox, 13 Jan. 2025
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But there are big stumbling blocks, including the narrow window to reach a deal and the widely varied value of the app.Auzinea Bacon, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Social media was quick to complain that other electronic acts like Eric Prydz, or even his Sphere openers Tiësto and Sebastian Ingrosso, deserved the booking more.Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 13 Jan. 2025
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Breathing new life into a space that struggled to find its footing in the past, Chef Cabrera has brought a bold new vision to the table, blending Napa’s storied food scene with refreshing coastal flavors that undeniably deserve recognition in the culinary world.Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
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One primary advantage of confidence is that other people do in fact eat it up.Rachel Sugar, Vox, 13 Jan. 2025
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That actually worked to Naperville North’s advantage.Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Garcia emphasizes the importance of donating new clothing, rather than second-hand items, as many fire victims still need to dress for work or meetings with insurance companies.Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Jan. 2025
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Research published in 2010 in Self and Identity notes the importance of self-compassion.Mark Travers, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Gleyber Torres was out by virtue of the fan interference call.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
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Partway through a panel discussion at a recent economics conference in San Francisco, Jason Furman, a former adviser to President Barack Obama, turned to Kimberly Clausing, a former member of the Biden administration and the author of a book extolling the virtues of free trade.Ben Casselman, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Data and strategy combined tend to drive operational excellence as well.Elise Awwad, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
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Given Samberg played almost all of his minutes with Pionk and Pionk has now played many minutes with more chaotic partners, most models credit Samberg for the pair’s defensive excellence.Murat Ates, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near merit
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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