appreciate

verb

ə-ˈprē-shē-ˌāt How to pronounce appreciate (audio)
Definition of appreciatenext
1
as in to understand
to have a clear idea of I hope you appreciate just how much that collector's CD costs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to admire
to think very highly or favorably of many great artists and musicians have not been appreciated in their own lifetimes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to love
to hold dear I appreciate my parents more than I can express

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to increase
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number the value of that antique should appreciate over time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word appreciate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of appreciate are cherish, prize, treasure, and value. While all these words mean "to hold in high estimation," appreciate often connotes sufficient understanding to enjoy or admire a thing's excellence.

appreciates fine wine

When could cherish be used to replace appreciate?

In some situations, the words cherish and appreciate are roughly equivalent. However, cherish implies a special love and care for something.

cherishes her children above all

When can prize be used instead of appreciate?

Although the words prize and appreciate have much in common, prize implies taking a deep pride in something one possesses.

Americans prize their freedom

In what contexts can treasure take the place of appreciate?

The words treasure and appreciate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, treasure emphasizes jealously safeguarding something considered precious.

a treasured memento

When would value be a good substitute for appreciate?

While the synonyms value and appreciate are close in meaning, value implies rating a thing highly for its intrinsic worth.

values our friendship

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of appreciate Griffith coach Phil Mason appreciates the way Litke has handled the process. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 Amenities and experiences The space serves a sophisticated clientele who clearly appreciate the independence the property provides. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 People can appreciate the convenience of social media while questioning its effects on children. — Will Johnson, Time, 21 Oct. 2026 Each new day offers a chance to make one more connection and appreciate even more an era that no longer exists. — Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appreciate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appreciate
  1. understand
  2. admire
  3. love
  4. increase
  5. know
  6. respect
  7. value
  8. rise
Verb
  • Weiss-Wolf’s advice emphasizes understanding your options and advocating for better health care, while recognizing that disclosing symptoms or requesting an accommodation can carry risks.
    — Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Reynolds understood how to sell the new pen, too, with advertisements promising an avant-garde writing utensil, capable of enduring long stretches of writing with no need to replenish the ink.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of understand
Verb
  • The admiring portrait also examines Capra’s political timidity and broken collaborations, while showing how his films shaped Hollywood and Americans’ ideas about themselves.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • In both of these blue states, the plan was to temporarily suspend nonpartisan redistricting commissions—bodies that progressives used to admire—and instead allow state legislators to draw the lines with greater freedom.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of admire
Verb
  • The judges love this all-over-the-place contemporary, but Julia looks a little lost throughout.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
  • By this time, the interview has devolved into fun-loving chaos.
    — Christine Terrisse, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of love
Verb
  • Kim Hong-Cheol, the South Korean military official, said leaving the dispute over the military demarcation line unresolved would increase the risk of accidental clashes because troops from both sides act on their own understanding of the line.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • As rain chances increase overnight, the temperature will drop to 40 degrees.
    — Hali Smith October 23, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of increase
Verb
  • The prince didn’t have any luck in blocking Kelce, which comes as little surprise given the Chiefs star knows how to avoid defensive players.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Anyone who has worked at a fast-growing company at the edge of technology knows that obligations, circumstances and products change daily.
    — Daniel Kjellén, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of know
Verb
  • Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said the right to protest must be respected as long as demonstrations remain lawful, while condemning violence, looting and occupations.
    — Amanda Macias, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • What drives genuine enjoyment, loyalty, and performance are feeling that your work matters and feeling respected, supported, and connected to the people around you.
    — Deborah Lovich, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of respect
Verb
  • Engineering better working dogs Warhound plans to start with two breeds already valued for military and police work.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Romo carved out new terrain at CBS Sports after revealing a knack for predicting game play — all but forcing CBS to re-sign the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback to a multi-season pact in 2020 valued at around $17 million a year.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of value
Verb
  • That comes against a backdrop of rising borrowing costs globally.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The investment forms part of a broader plan to spend $8 billion to $9 billion through 2030 to meet rising demand for munitions.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of rise

Browse Nearby Words

appreciably
appreciate
appreciated
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Cite this Entry

“Appreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appreciate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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