appreciation

noun

ap·​pre·​ci·​a·​tion ə-ˌprē-shē-ˈā-shən 

-ˌpri-

also -ˌprē-sē-

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

• admiration
• respect
• regard

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

Over the years, the pair has expressed appreciation for each other as friends, mentors, godparents, business partners in Dos Hombres and one-time bartenders for Drake. —Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026

Colbert then expressed what sounded like sincere appreciation to Allen. —Chris Willman, Variety, 23 May 2026

Of particular value are unpublished recollections, memos, and other records addressing the appreciation of her by Elizabeth Hardwick and other editors at The New York Review. —Benjamin Braude, The New York Review of Books, 23 May 2026

Coca-Cola 600 The 67th Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway has brought large crowds to Charlotte and Concord year after year for food, music, military appreciation and of course, racing. —Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see appreciate

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing appreciation

• in appreciation of

Rhymes for appreciation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation