Synonyms of merits

merits 1 of 2

noun

plural of merit

as in distinctions

a quality that gives something special worth

this mystery novel at least has the merit of an original plot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distinctions
• virtues
• advantages
• values
• graces
• excellencies
• excellences
• cardinal virtues
• superiorities
• pluses
• edges

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deficiencies
• demerits
• defects
• flaws
• faults
• failings
• drawbacks
• blemishes
• disvalues
• negatives
• minuses

merits

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of merit

as in deserves

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

• deserves
• earns
• qualifies
• entitles
• rates

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of merits

Noun

The judge ruled that the union was likely to succeed on the merits of its argument that the BOP had violated the Administrative Procedure Act by terminating the collective bargaining agreement and ordered the bureau to reinstate it immediately. — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS 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

An advisor who welcomes that scrutiny makes the decision easier to assess on its merits. — Christoph Lymbersky, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Former Senator Christopher Dodd told the Courant that his father believed in the merits of the international court. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026

Although Scout Motors is backed by Volkswagen, the Scout brand is being reintroduced to the public on its own merits. — Chase Jordan october 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2026

In contrast, a decision on the merits is typically worked on for months after full briefing and lengthy oral arguments. — Nina Totenberg, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026

Active stock pickers must instead consider the merits of each holding against the prospect of higher rates. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

Even presidential hopeful Flávio Bolsonaro avoided criticizing the merits of the decision. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

Verb

But the film hardly even merits such empty pastiche, and there’s little else to distinguish it from much cheap-and-cheerful streaming fodder in this genre space. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

Even the cruel Paulina’s misplaced overconfidence and comeuppance merits our charity. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026

The forest also merits a visit after the spring or autumn rains, when local guides lead mushroom hunts. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

That Ausmus already got so close to being the Astros’ general manager merits obvious attention. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

But with returns here easily worth hundreds and potentially thousands of dollars, this account still merits serious consideration now. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

One other significant finding that Mitchell said merits further investigation is an area of red discoloration on tissue at the back of Wells' head by the occipital bone. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 31 July 2026

Professor Mulligan, who also served as director of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office during the Biden administration, says the disappearance merits congressional scrutiny. — Aaron Glantz, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026

However, the findings suggest a relationship between birding and brain health that merits further exploration. — The Conversation, Fortune, 27 July 2026