Uncover the Elusive Mystery: Cracking the Merit Crossword Clue!

The answer to the crossword question “Merit is EARN” is the word DESERVE. The word “merit” refers to deserving recognition or reward based on one’s actions or qualities. The word “is” indicates that the word being sought should logically follow after “merit.” Lastly, the word “earn” implies that the intended word should convey the idea of deserving something through individual effort or accomplishment. When all these clues are considered together, the most suitable word that satisfies the given crossword question is “deserve.”