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.
The audience whooped in appreciation when the same stock footage of a complex of office buildings appeared for the third and then the fourth time. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026 The space telescope hasn't just collected incredible data; its images have also given the general public a new appreciation for the beauty and wonder of space. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Consequently, Shin believes the won has significant room for appreciation moving forward. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Ebony Caviness, senior investigator with the district attorney’s office, expressed her appreciation to the public for helping crack the case. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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