Deserves (5)
'deserves' is the definition.
('merit' can be a synonym of 'deserve')
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for merits that I've seen before include "Legally right or wrong" , "Deserves to be praised" , "Deserves or warrants" , "Deserves, is worthy of" , "Virtues of timers" .)
'deserves' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for earns that I've seen before include "ready for work?" , "Grosses" , "Acquires by effort" , "makes money" , "Gains by work" .)