1. deserved or earned through one’s actions or qualities

1. past tense of merit; to deserve or be worthy of something

Examples

• She received a well-merited promotion after years of hard work.
• The team’s victory was merited by their excellent preparation.
• His harsh criticism was hardly merited by such a minor mistake.
• The student merited praise for her outstanding essay.
• The company merited recognition for its environmental efforts.
• Such dedication merited a reward.
• The film merited several award nominations.