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

Some Buddhist temples in Thailand are extremely wealthy because worshippers donate large amounts as a way of making religious merit, and the country has seen cases of senior monks being accused of misappropriating temple funds. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 The ruling was made on technical grounds rather than on the merits of Netflix’s argument. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Verb

Even when examining a juror’s conduct is merited, Professor Braccia says, those legal procedural questions shouldn’t undermine the concept of juror independence. — Cameron Pugh, Christian Science Monitor, 25 Sep. 2026 Prosecutors have told lower courts that Ramey did not present any issues that would merit reconsidering the conviction. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for merit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit

Noun

Richard seems to be drawing a distinction between representing a culture and living it.

— Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
On an objective level, this is so close to n log n that the distinction almost doesn’t matter.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of distinction

Noun

Marriott’s underlying core value of care is just one of the reasons that leaders like Martinez choose to stay with Marriott.

— Ted Kitterman, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
By merging the two failing car companies, Marchionne created the seventh-largest vehicle manufacturer in the world, increasing Fiat’s value more than tenfold.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of value

Verb

The operating moment unifies these capabilities, enabling leaders to determine whether an opportunity deserves pursuit before momentum develops.

— Adam Feiner, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
The defense deserves a lot of credit (and Johnson deserves credit for hiring Dennis Allen as his defensive coordinator), but scoring 50 points with those two QBs shows that Johnson is one of the league’s sharpest offensive minds.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of deserve

Noun

Koerte says this is where the longevity of Europe’s leading manufacturers could be an advantage.

— Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
The Hawkeyes were held to just 238 yards as Ohio State, which had 484 yards, had almost a 17-minute advantage in time of possession.

— John Bohnenkamp, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of advantage

Noun

What readers are saying The comments on the article discuss the importance and challenges of effective listening, particularly reflective or active listening.

— Maggie Penman, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
The project helped bring attention to regenerative farming and the importance of maintaining a sustainable ecosystem where people and animals can thrive together.

— Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of importance

Noun

New recruits and seasoned officers alike take field trips to the Museum of Tolerance, where trainers extol the virtues of multiculturalism.

— Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Baek Ki-hyeon aspired to walk a path of virtue and provide for their sister through honest means — but his calculating spymaster big brother was never going to let them out of his grasp.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of virtue

Noun

The Harold Matzner Distinguished Achievement Award aims to recognize individuals whose careers have profoundly influenced the global film industry through artistic excellence, visionary leadership and philanthropic impact.

— Isabelle Farina, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Inspired by the Spanish luxury house’s own beginnings as an artisanal workshop, the award intends to recognize excellence and innovation in craft in all its forms.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of excellence

Browse Nearby Words

meridians

merit

merited

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of merit

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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