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
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Recent Examples of merit
John Kruzel, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Merit review: How funding decisions are made Federal funding decisions are made through rigorous merit review.
—Kelly S. Mix, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
Joshua Stanton, New York Daily News, 12 May 2025
But the United States Army believes Lieberman is an American hero, meriting the Soldier's Medal.
—Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Noun
Federal workers who lose their jobs can bring a challenge before the merit board, an independent three-member panel with quasi-judicial powers, seeking to be reinstated.
—John Kruzel, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Merit review: How funding decisions are made Federal funding decisions are made through rigorous merit review.
—Kelly S. Mix, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
Verb
While the change of leadership in the world’s largest religious organization always merits our attention, American Jews would do well to ensure that Jewish-Catholic dialogue remains a priority in our outreach and dialogue — and hopefully that of our Catholic counterparts.
—Joshua Stanton, New York Daily News, 12 May 2025
But the United States Army believes Lieberman is an American hero, meriting the Soldier's Medal.
—Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for merit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for merit
Noun
-
Those 30-something passengers represented a surprising demographic distinction for this city mainly known for its long winters, spicy chicken wings and proximity to one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the country.—
David Allan,
CNN Money,
31 May 2025
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Dylan’s detention has also drawn the condemnation of New York’s governor, who at an unrelated press conference Thursday in Hell’s Kitchen made a distinction between assisting in the removal of people who have been accused of crimes and separating families.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
But the state counted on an average annual return of 8.5% on its pension investments back then, very aggressive assumptions that inflated the funds’ values by billions of dollars.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
25 May 2025
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Then, when rates do come down and investors go looking for higher income, the value of these funds’ bonds—and indeed the value of these funds themselves—should rise.—
Michael Foster,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Verb
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The California religion professor who nominated Hood says that Hood's duties are 'a suffering kind of work' that deserve recognition.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
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Following an 8-4 victory over Tennessee on May 17, Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said his team deserved to be a top 8 seed.—
Matt Jones,
Arkansas Online,
26 May 2025
Noun
-
Pone hit a sacrifice fly to put Ole Miss up 5-4, Mackenzie Pickens hit and RBI single in the fifth for a two-run advantage and Brady sent a solo home run to left-center field in the seventh to set the final score.—
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
26 May 2025
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There are advantages older figures can bring to politics — even if the current generation has ruined the reputation of elder statesmen.—
Jack Butler,
National Review,
25 May 2025
Noun
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Nevertheless, the intersection of these two fields is growing in importance and deserves serious attention from business leaders, engineers and investors.—
Paul Lipman,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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Given the importance of timely loc upkeep, clients may feel pressured to accept whatever slot is offered, even at unusual hours.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
Noun
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By virtue of its basic conceit — after narrowly escaping a disaster with the help of a premonition, a group of people are stalked and killed by Death itself — almost all of these movies end with a high body count and no one making it out alive.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
22 May 2025
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This is based on mutual respect for each other’s virtues and character.—
Gregg D. Caruso,
The Conversation,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
Sustaining excellence in sports is incredibly difficult.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
22 May 2025
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The 2025 Cannes Film Festival has evolved far beyond its origins as a celebration of cinematic excellence.—
Pooja Shah,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Merit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/merit. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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