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Definitions

merit

[mer-it] / ˈmɛr ɪt /
NOUN
advantage
Synonyms
STRONGEST
benefit dignity excellence integrity quality stature talent value virtue worthiness
STRONG
arete asset caliber credit desert excellency good goodness honor perfection worth
WEAK
strong point
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disadvantage dishonor
STRONG
disrespect evil ill repute wickedness worthlessness
WEAK
demerit fault weakness
VERB
be entitled to
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deserve just deserts justify warrant
STRONG
earn incur rate
WEAK
be in line for be worthy get one's comeuppance get one's due get what is coming have a claim have a right have coming

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for merit?
Merit can refer to a good or commendable quality, or someone or something’s worth or value. To say that someone earned something based on merit often means that they earned it based on excellence or performance. Relatedly, the word meritocracy is used to refer to a system (such as a workplace) in which people are thought to be rewarded or advanced based on merit, meaning their talent, ability, or accomplishments—as opposed to aspects of their identity, such as their class. A legal case judged on its merits is one judged on the facts and arguments alone, as opposed to one’s personal feelings, such as about the people involved. Merit can also be used as a verb meaning to deserve or be worthy of something, as in I think this merits a celebration! The word warrant has a similar meaning, but it’s more broadly used (merit is most commonly used in positive contexts).
How is merit different from advantage?
The words merit and advantage are sometimes used in similar ways, such as when discussing a good quality that something or someone has. This is especially the case when comparing things, as in Compared to the other candidates, his one merit/advantage is that he has more experience in the field. However, while advantage is usually used in the context of comparisons, merit can be used more broadly to discuss the qualities of someone or something, regardless of whether they’re being compared.
What is the opposite (antonym) of merit?
With its negating prefix de-, the word demerit suggests a direct opposite of merit, and indeed it can mean the opposite of a good or commendable quality—a fault or culpability. You could say that something has both merits and demerits (good and bad points, pros and cons), but demerit isn’t all that commonly used in this way. More generally, the word merit is often used in contrast to arbitrary or biased reasons for making decisions or judgments, as in His promotion wasn’t based on merit—he’s the boss’s nephew.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The court of appeals said that Preska incorrectly interpreted Argentine law and that the shareholders’ claims are without merit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

That awarding of merit aid, according to Burd, has come at the expense of the lowest-income students.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

While we continue to see great merit in letting more information flow into the market before making decisions, we also recognize that many investors are addicted to perpetual motion.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

But Burnham told the BBC it was his understanding that any housing plan would now be subject to a separate planning proposal on merit and did not form part of the golf course scheme.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

If you are the sort of person who likes guessing games, you may wish to spend the next few moments pondering which of the preceding explanations seem to have merit and which don’t.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.