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Showing results for unmerited. Search instead for unmerit.
Definitions

unmerited

ADJECTIVE
gratuitous
Synonyms
STRONGEST
baseless groundless needless superfluous unfounded unjustified unprovoked unwarranted wanton
WEAK
assumed bottomless causeless indefensible inessential reasonless supererogatory uncalled-for unessential unsupportable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
called-for grounded justified necessary needed proven warranted
WEAK
deserved
ADJECTIVE
uncalled-for
Synonyms
WEAK
gratuitous impertinent inappropriate indecorous unbecoming unnecessary unseemly
ADJECTIVE
unearned
Synonyms
WEAK
not deserved not earned not merited not warranted unwarranted
ADJECTIVE
unjust
Synonyms
STRONGEST
biased inequitable one-sided partisan prejudiced unfair unjustified wrong wrongful
WEAK
below the belt fixed influenced low-down partial shabby underhand undeserved unforgivable unrighteous
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fair good honest impartial just unbiased unprejudiced
WEAK
equitable
ADJECTIVE
unjustifiable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
baseless groundless indefensible inexcusable unconscionable unforgivable unfounded unjust unjustified
WEAK
foundationless uncalled-for ungrounded unpardonable wrong
Antonyms
STRONGEST
excusable justifiable justified proven reasonable
ADJECTIVE
unworthy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
inappropriate ineligible shameful undeserving unfit unsuitable
WEAK
base beneath blamable contemptible degrading disgraceful dishonorable disreputable good-for-nothing ignoble improper inexcusable no-account no-good not deserving not fit not good enough not worth nothing offensive out of place recreant reprehensible unbecoming unbefitting unseemly valueless vile wretched wrong
Antonyms
STRONGEST
appropriate proper qualified suitable
WEAK
honorable useful valuable worthwhile worthy

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.

The miracle of freedom, he writes, is “an unmerited gift, a hard-won achievement, and a condition in need of defense.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

Mercy, it says, “is the act of withholding deserved punishment, while grace is the act of endowing unmerited favor.”

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2024

Eyebrows were raised at a decision that felt somewhat unmerited and unnecessary.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2024

At the funeral of those little girls from Birmingham, King said that “history has proved over and over again that unmerited suffering is redemptive.”

From Seattle Times • Sep. 15, 2023

And history has proven over and over again that unmerited suffering is redemptive.

From "While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement" by Carolyn Maull McKinstry