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.
Trump has also been chastened into a more realistic appreciation of Beijing’s power. — Ali Wyne, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2026 But hearing that sweet murder-durder voice spring ferth from Ray Donovan is, quite frankly, werth the price of admission for those of us holding an outsized appreciation for actors attempting difficult regional dialects. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 Oct. 2026 Treating your partner with respect and appreciation can strengthen your bond and help both of you feel more secure in an uncertain world. — Barton Goldsmith, AJC.com, 28 Oct. 2026 Someone expressed appreciation that airlines are now more accommodating to wheelchair travelers. — Rebekah Taussig, Time, 28 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 2 Nov. 2026.

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