Antonyms for merit

Grammar : Noun, verb

Spell : mer-it

Phonetic Transcription : ˈmɛr ɪt

Definition of merit

Origin : c.1200, "spiritual credit" (for good works, etc.); c.1300, "spiritual reward," from Old French merite "wages, pay, reward; thanks; merit, moral worth, that which assures divine pity," and directly from Latin meritum "a merit, service, kindness, benefit, favor; worth, value, importance," neuter of meritus, past participle of merere, meriri "to earn, deserve, acquire, gain," from PIE root *(s)mer- "to allot, assign" (cf. Greek meros "part, lot," moira "share, fate," moros "fate, destiny, doom," Hittite mark "to divide" a sacrifice).
Sense of "worthiness, excellence" is from early 14c.; from late 14c. as "condition or conduct that deserves either reward or punishment;" also "a reward, benefit." Related: Merits. Merit system attested from 1880. Merit-monger was in common use 16c.-17c. in a sense roughly of "do-gooder."

noun advantage
verb be entitled to

Example sentences :

But give up an inclination, and there is some merit in that.
Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson

Does he believe, that the disgrace which I supper on his account, will give him a merit with me?
Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson

But the recognition of his merit came sooner than could have been expected.
Extract from : « The Grand Old Man » by Richard B. Cook

I vindicated the good Mrs. Norton with a warmth that was due to her merit.
Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson

What merit was there in being what it would be contemptible not to be?
Extract from : « Weighed and Wanting » by George MacDonald

This aphorism seemed to merit a new cigar on Crane's part, so he lighted one.
Extract from : « Thoroughbreds » by W. A. Fraser

Oh, Mr. Hervey, you do not—you cannot know her merit, as I do.
Extract from : « Tales And Novels, Volume 3 (of 10) » by Maria Edgeworth

Well might the merit of your passion be doubted, you say, if, like Mr. Solmes—fiddle-faddle!
Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson

She insisted upon the merit of obedience, although my will were not in it.
Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson

Hence it is, that settlements are to make up for acknowledged want of merit!
Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson

Synonyms for merit

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019