merits
Britishplural noun
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the actual and intrinsic rights and wrongs of an issue, esp in a law case, as distinct from extraneous matters and technicalities
-
on the intrinsic qualities or virtues
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.
Those issues should be debated directly and on their own merits.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
Delta leaders discussed the approach and merits of a potential deal as part of preliminary due diligence, people familiar with the matter said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026
The appeals court did not rule on the ultimate merits of the case but concluded the administration had not shown it was likely to succeed in overturning the injunction at this stage.
From Salon ● Jul. 26, 2026
In her order, Sykes said the plaintiffs “have demonstrated they are likely to prevail — or at the least, raise serious questions — on the merits of their Fifth Amendment and Rehabilitation Act claims.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026
Howard began to see the merits of the race.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
