Meritorious — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌmer-ə-ˈtȯr-ē-əs/ mer·i·to·ri·ous

Meaning & Definition of Meritorious

Meritorious (adjective)

  1. deserving of honor or esteem

Meritorious (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. deserving of high regard or great approval

    "worked all night with meritorious determination to get the project done on time"

    similar: admirable, applaudable, commendable, creditable, estimable, laudable, praiseworthy
    related: deserving, worthy, awesome, distinctive, distinguished, excellent, heady, honorable, impressive, noteworthy, noticeable, outstanding, redoubtable, reputable, respectable, invaluable, precious, priceless, valuable, delightful, enjoyable, pleasing, satisfying, ethical, good, high-minded, moral, noble, principled
    opposite: censurable, discreditable, illaudable, reprehensible
    near: base, contemptible, deplorable, despicable, detestable, dirty, infamous, lousy, nasty, notorious, pitiable, pitiful, scabby, scummy, scurvy, sorry, unlikable, unworthy, vile, worthless, wretched, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, low, mean, scandalous, seamy, shady, shameful, shocking, sordid, unethical, unsavory

  2. 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"

    similar: deserving, good, worthy
    related: admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, praiseworthy, invaluable, priceless, cherished, prized, treasured, choice, excellent, exceptional, fancy, high-grade, primary, prime, special
    opposite: no-good, undeserving, valueless, worthless
    near: base, cheap, inferior, second-rate, substandard, bad, defective, flawed, imperfect, deficient, inadequate, insufficient, unacceptable, unsatisfactory

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Meritorious

The most common words with a similar meaning to Meritorious:

admirable, applaudable, commendable, creditable, estimable, laudable, praiseworthy, deserving, good, worthy

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Meritorious

Words with the opposite meaning of Meritorious:

censurable, discreditable, illaudable, reprehensible, no-good, undeserving, valueless, worthless

Related Words for Meritorious

awesome, distinctive, distinguished, excellent, heady, honorable, impressive, noteworthy, noticeable, outstanding, redoubtable, reputable, respectable, invaluable, precious, priceless, valuable, delightful, enjoyable, pleasing, satisfying, ethical, high-minded, moral, noble, principled, cherished, prized, treasured, choice

Near Antonyms of Meritorious

base, contemptible, deplorable, despicable, detestable, dirty, infamous, lousy, nasty, notorious, pitiable, pitiful, scabby, scummy, scurvy, sorry, unlikable, unworthy, vile, wretched, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, low, mean, scandalous, seamy, shady, shameful

Word Forms of Meritorious

Derived words: meritoriously (adverb), meritoriousness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Meritorious

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Meritorious

What does "Meritorious" mean?

"Meritorious" means deserving of honor or esteem. As an adjective, it is defined as: deserving of honor or esteem. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Meritorious"?

Other words for "Meritorious" include admirable, applaudable, commendable, creditable, estimable, laudable, praiseworthy and deserving. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Meritorious" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Meritorious"?

There are 46 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Meritorious". Common alternatives include admirable, applaudable, commendable, creditable, estimable, laudable, praiseworthy, deserving, good and worthy.

What is the opposite of "Meritorious"?

Antonyms of "Meritorious" include censurable, discreditable, illaudable, reprehensible, no-good, undeserving, valueless and worthless. Near antonyms include base, contemptible, deplorable and despicable.

How do you use "Meritorious" in a sentence?

Examples of "Meritorious" in a sentence: "worked all night with meritorious determination to get the project done on time"; "all agreed that the most meritorious science project had won the competition".

Is "Meritorious" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Meritorious" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Meritorious"?

"Meritorious" is pronounced /ˌmer-ə-ˈtȯr-ē-əs/ and divided into syllables as mer·i·to·ri·ous.

What is the origin of the word "Meritorious"?

First known use: 15th century.