The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word EARNED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
E
A
R
N
E
D
More clues leading to the result EARNED
- Attention new edition deserved
- Educated, dropped, left and got paid
- Brought in sage – first leaves
- End in doubt after attention was paid
- After long year missing, journalist is brought home
- Took home listener backing study
- Got paid employment, with organ study set up
- Took home edition about composer of anthems
- Some learn education’s merited
- Made knowledgeable tip-off?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "merited" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case merited = earned.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does EARNED mean?
EARNED verb- To gain (success, reward, recognition) through applied effort or work.
- To receive payment for work.
- To receive payment for work.
- To cause (someone) to receive payment or reward.
- To achieve by being worthy of.
- To curdle, as milk.
- To long; to yearn.
- To grieve.