appreciation

noun

ap·​pre·​ci·​a·​tion ə-ˌprē-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce appreciation (audio)
-ˌpri-
also -ˌprē-sē-
Synonyms of appreciation
1
a
: a feeling or expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude
I want to express my appreciation for all you've done.
a small token of our appreciation
b
: judgment, evaluation
especially : a favorable critical estimate
c
: sensitive awareness
especially : recognition of aesthetic values
a class in music appreciation
2
: increase in value

Synonyms of appreciation

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of appreciation in a Sentence

You've been so generous, and I'd like to show my appreciation by cooking a meal for you. She's shown little appreciation for the effort you've made. I'm not sure you have an appreciation of the complexity of the situation. I've gained an appreciation for the skills involved in the game.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Given the significant appreciation of the formerly moribund share price over the past year, about 500 employees now have more than $1 million apiece in equity, as the New York Post noted. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026 Growing up down south forever shapes your language, work ethic, appreciation for how hard life can be and so much more. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts, who serves as president of the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association, expressed her appreciation for the many years that Thompson dedicated himself to the state. — Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 7 Oct. 2026 Madison Square Garden has an average rating of overweight and 16% upside to analysts' consensus price target, while Sphere has an average rating of buy and implied appreciation of 64%, based on the consensus target, according to FactSet. — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appreciation

Word History

Etymology

see appreciate

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of appreciation was in 1605

Phrases Containing appreciation

Rhymes for appreciation

See All Rhymes for appreciation

Browse Nearby Words

appreciated surplus
appreciation
appreciative
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appreciation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appreciation. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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