appraisal
noun
ap·prais·al
ə-ˈprā-zəl 
: an act or instance of appraising something or someone
a damage appraisal
They gave us an honest appraisal of our chances.
especially
: a valuation of property by the estimate of an authorized person
sought an appraisal of her jewelry
real estate appraisals
Examples of appraisal in a Sentence
the appraisal of some jewelry
I made a quick appraisal of the situation and decided to leave right away.
The book is an excellent appraisal of the influences that have shaped our government.
Recent Examples on the Web
Save copies of receipts, appraisals, or purchase records.
—
Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
The report came back with the appraisal that a measure for a new bond issue would be unlikely to be supported by 55% of the voters (unless the amount was to be much smaller than actually needed).
—Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
At least for me, a full appraisal would have to await the arrival of the bleakest and most revealing season of all.
—New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
By July 20, the Appraisal Review Board must approve appraisal records.
—Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for appraisal
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Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
The report came back with the appraisal that a measure for a new bond issue would be unlikely to be supported by 55% of the voters (unless the amount was to be much smaller than actually needed).
—Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
At least for me, a full appraisal would have to await the arrival of the bleakest and most revealing season of all.
—New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
By July 20, the Appraisal Review Board must approve appraisal records.
—Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for appraisal
Cite this Entry
“Appraisal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appraisal. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
appraisal
noun
ap·prais·al
ə-ˈprā-zəl
: an act or instance of appraising
Legal Definition
appraisal
noun
ap·prais·al
ə-ˈprā-zəl
: a valuation of property by the estimate of an authorized person: as
a
: the determination of the fair value of a corporation's stock by a judicial proceeding that a dissenting shareholder is usually entitled by statute to demand in a case of extraordinary corporate action (as a merger) see also dissent entry 1 sense 1
b
: the estimation of the value of real estate for the purpose of taxation, sale, or securing a mortgage
c
: the estimation of the value of damage done to property for the purpose of adjusting an insurance claim
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