The term MERITS refers to the qualities or abilities that make someone or something deserving of praise, reward, or admiration. RATES is a five-letter word meaning to assess the value or worth of something. EARNS is another five-letter word meaning to acquire or gain something through effort or work. DESERVES is an eight-letter word meaning to be worthy of or entitled to something. All three words are related to the concept of MERITS, as they all refer to the idea of being worthy of something due to one's qualities or abilities.