appreciation

noun

ap·​pre·​ci·​a·​tion ə-ˌprē-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce appreciation (audio)
-ˌpri-
also -ˌprē-sē-
Synonyms of appreciationnext
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

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.
These nine photos showcase the Jenner and Kardashian vintage fashion appreciation. The Glamour Editors, Glamour, 13 Dec. 2025 With credit spreads at very tight levels, there will not be a lot of upside in terms of price appreciation, Rehling said. Michelle Fox, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2025 Both Deery and Gaskill expressed their love and appreciation for their colleagues in spite of their differences. Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 12 Dec. 2025 With a mocking appreciation for her overbearing family and caustic wit for her younger self, Yajia warmly works from the thesis that kids are extraordinarily weird, scary, and kind-of-dumb creatures who really don’t know any better. Brian Boone, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appreciation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appreciation. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on appreciation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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