merit crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find all the possible solutions for the crossword clue "merit crossword clue", along with detailed explanations to help you understand why each answer fits. We've got answers for every word length, making your puzzle-solving quick and easy.
Solutions for "merit crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
WORTH: Quality of being good or deserving praise.
VALUE: The importance, worth, or usefulness of something.
6 Letters
VIRTUE: Behavior showing high moral standards.
CREDIT: Public acknowledgment or praise, given or received for an achievement or quality.
7 Letters
DESERVE: To be worthy of (something, especially a reward or punishment).
More About "merit crossword clue"
The word "merit" in crosswords is a versatile clue that can point to several related concepts. At its core, merit refers to the quality of being good, worthy, or deserving. This can manifest as an inherent quality, like the 'worth' or 'value' of an object or idea, or as an earned attribute, such as 'credit' for an achievement. Puzzle setters often play on these nuances, requiring solvers to consider the specific context of the clue.
Understanding "merit" in crosswords also involves recognizing its potential as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it leads to answers like WORTH or VALUE. As a verb, it often implies 'to deserve' (DESERVE). This dual nature is a common trick used by setters, so always scrutinize the clue's grammatical function. Furthermore, "merit" can sometimes refer to moral excellence, leading to answers like VIRTUE.
When you encounter "merit crossword clue," consider the number of letters provided first, then think of synonyms that fit that length and the specific phrasing of the clue. Is it asking for a quality, an action, or a form of recognition? Pinpointing this will quickly narrow down the possibilities and help you find the correct answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Part of Speech: Is "merit" used as a noun, verb, or adjective in the clue? This will significantly narrow down the potential answers (e.g., 'merit' as a noun for WORTH, 'merit' as a verb for DESERVE).
- Consider Nuances of Meaning: "Merit" can imply general worth, moral standing, or earned recognition. Think about which specific sense the clue might be pointing to. Synonyms like WORTH, VALUE, VIRTUE, DESERVE, and CREDIT each emphasize a slightly different aspect.
- Check Surrounding Letters: Even if you're stuck on "merit," use any already-filled letters from intersecting words. These can provide crucial hints about the length and specific letters of the answer, helping you deduce the correct solution from similar synonyms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "merit" typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, "merit" often refers to worth, value, virtue, or deservingness. It can be a noun (e.g., 'a quality of excellence') or imply a verb ('to earn' or 'to deserve'). Common synonyms used as answers include WORTH, VALUE, DESERVE, and CREDIT.
Are there common traps when solving "merit" clues?
One common trap is confusing the noun form of merit (worth, excellence) with the verb form (to deserve). Always check the clue's part of speech. Also, consider if the clue points to a specific type of merit, such as moral merit (VIRTUE) or earned recognition (CREDIT).
How can I find synonyms for "merit"?
To find synonyms for 'merit' during a crossword, think about its various meanings: a quality (worth, excellence), an achievement (credit, accolade), or an action (to deserve, to earn). Using an online thesaurus or a dedicated crossword dictionary can also be very helpful.