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demerit Synonyms
Another word for demerit
Choosing another word for demerit depends on context, so the 15 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
• noun (Context 1)
A mark or point awarded against a person for an offense, fault, or poor behavior, typically in a school, military, or traffic-licensing system.
Usage Example
"The cadet received three demerits for failing to keep his uniform in proper order."
Strongest
black mark
Strong
penalty
Weak
reprimand
• noun (Context 2)
A feature or quality that makes someone or something less acceptable, desirable, or effective; a fault or disadvantage.
Usage Example
"The committee carefully weighed the merits and demerits of the proposed transit expansion."
Strongest
fault
drawback
disadvantage
Strong
shortcoming
flaw
defect
weakness
failing
limitation
• verb (Context 3)
To assign a penalty mark against or lower the standing of someone or something.
Usage Example
"The judges decided to penalize the routine for exceeding the allotted time limit."
Strong
penalize
downgrade
discredit
Opposites of demerit
The opposite of demerit shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:
merit
advantage
virtue
reward
strength
credit
commend
benefit
• Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Demerit. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/demerit