meritorious

adjective

ˌmer-ə-ˈtȯr-ē-əs How to pronounce meritorious (audio)
Definition of meritoriousnext
1
as in worthy
deserving of high regard or great approval worked all night with meritorious determination to get the project done on time

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in good
having sufficient worth or merit to receive one's honor, esteem, or reward all agreed that the most meritorious science project had won the competition

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 meritorious This means people with legitimate claims sit in limbo while those without meritorious cases aren’t removed efficiently. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 5 May 2026 Educators presented with the award of meritorious service have gone above and beyond in service to their school communities, the state board said. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026 The award would recognize those nominated for bravery or meritorious awards under the existing Australian Honors and Awards system for their actions during and after the attack, according to The Associated Press. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025 MacVean, who lived in Point Loma for nearly 50 years, was lauded for his work, receiving the Distinguished Service Medal on two occasions for meritorious service. — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for meritorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meritorious
  1. worthy
  2. good
  3. excellent
  4. admirable
  5. praiseworthy
  6. laudable
  7. commendable
  8. creditable
Adjective
  • The city’s postcard sights and destination-worthy dining spots require at least a 20-minute taxi drive or a hop on The Siam’s boat, which can drop you off at most piers along the river.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The punch-worthy parody of Altman’s characterization ramps up once he’s motivated to push back against — or trample over — the safety guardrails that Ilya prizes above all else, but so does the depth of his world-breaking cynicism.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of worthy
Adjective
  • Lucy’s constant sense of invention sometimes falters under the album’s new, megawatt spotlight, lacking the enticing mystery that gives their best music its power.
    — H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Among those surveyed, Latinos who didn’t vote in 2024 were more likely than those who had voted to have economic frustrations, like struggling to earn enough money or find a good job.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of good
Adjective
  • There’s an excellent Anantara Spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center onsite, but the highlight of the property is its 60-foot-long oceanfront infinity pool, which overlooks the entire expanse of Stone Town beach.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Mikey Madison is excellent as a whistleblower driven by love, not spite.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions is an admirable example of how focus and restraint can lay the foundation for a major business.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Such ruthless prioritization produced some admirable results.
    — Julianne Smith, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of admirable
Adjective
  • Not as praiseworthy is a tendency to dislike being told what to do, and in proving a point, to not only cut off their nose to spite their face but to lop off their heads as well.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • While lesser-known than its aforementioned treatment mask, the serum is equally praiseworthy—particularly for anyone seeking longer, stronger hair.
    — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of praiseworthy
Adjective
  • That American Girl has helped foster an interest in the past while shaping futures is both undeniable and laudable.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The MemoMind One did a laudable, though flawed, job of generating English subtitles for the Japanese dialogue in an episode of Digimon Beatbreak.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of laudable
Adjective
  • The airport-massager sketch had Brunson in a supporting role to Mikey Day, whose commendable job committing to the bit couldn’t keep it from being one-note.
    — Rima Parikh, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The effort is commendable and represents another meaningful attempt to give athletes a structured voice.
    — Chris Corr, Sportico.com, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of commendable
Adjective
  • Earlier Monday, Justin Greaves top-scored with 73 and Chase made a defiant 70 as West Indies achieved a creditable total.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • And yet Cape Verde, remarkably, gave them a genuine and creditable scare.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of creditable

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meritless
meritorious
merits
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Cite this Entry

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

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