Synonyms of appreciate

appreciate

verb

ə-ˈprē-shē-ˌāt 

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

• understand
• know
• recognize
• see
• decipher
• comprehend
• grasp
• realize
• get
• discern
• perceive
• sense
• conceive
• apprehend
• make
• assimilate
• dig
• seize
• make out
• behold
• cotton (to or on to)
• tumble (to)
• catch on (to)
• decode
• register
• catch
• intuit
• grok
• savvy
• compass
• pick up on
• absorb
• twig
• cognize
• fathom
• digest
• take in
• penetrate
• pierce

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• miss
• misunderstand
• misread
• misinterpret
• mistake
• misconstrue
• misapprehend
• misconceive
• misperceive

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

• admire
• respect
• regard
• love
• enjoy
• like
• commend
• consider
• praise
• applaud
• compliment
• esteem
• approve
• revere
• venerate
• relish
• value
• adore
• reverence
• credit
• savor
• acclaim
• favor
• set store by
• delight (in)
• drink (in)
• cherish
• revel (in)
• idolize
• fancy
• treasure
• worship
• dote (on)
• dig
• accredit
• prize
• groove (on)
• hallow
• adulate
• canonize
• deify

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hate
• despise
• detest
• loathe
• abhor
• dislike
• dismiss
• disregard
• disapprove
• condemn
• discount
• disdain
• abominate
• deplore
• decry
• execrate
• scorn
• frown (on or upon)
• vilify
• discountenance
• disfavor
• kiss off

3

as in to love

to hold dear

I appreciate my parents more than I can express

Synonyms & Similar Words

• love
• value
• treasure
• enjoy
• admire
• cherish
• respect
• like
• prize
• relish
• regard
• revere
• reverence
• delight (in)
• venerate
• fancy
• set store by
• revel (in)
• dig
• memorialize
• adore
• esteem
• enshrine
• groove (on)
• caress
• apprize
• idolize
• worship
• dote (on)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hate
• despise
• undervalue
• detest
• loathe
• abhor
• minimize
• slight
• disdain
• forget
• scorn
• sniff (at)
• disparage
• depreciate
• disvalue
• decry
• belittle
• scout
• write off
• put down
• snub
• neglect
• abandon
• abominate
• deprecate
• execrate
• cry down
• high-hat
• bad-mouth
• kiss off

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

• increase
• rise
• swell
• accelerate
• expand
• climb
• intensify
• multiply
• accumulate
• gain
• roll up
• spread
• proliferate
• wax
• escalate
• enlarge
• mount
• build up
• jump
• boom
• surge
• heighten
• snowball
• balloon
• mushroom
• burgeon
• redouble
• skyrocket
• bulk
• rocket
• peak
• inflate
• puff (up)
• blow up
• distend
• crest
• crescendo

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decrease
• diminish
• lessen
• recede
• contract
• wane
• dwindle

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

Recent Examples of appreciate

Defined‑benefit pensions gave way to 401(k)s; long‑term care remained largely uncovered; tax and housing policy rewarded holding onto appreciating property rather than making room. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 7 June 2026

During his welcome address, Leo appealed to Spaniards, especially political leaders, to put polemics aside and invest in educating young people to appreciate diversity and complexity rather than shunning them. —ABC News, 6 June 2026

Thompson appreciates cartoons that do this well. —Alex Shoemaker, Parents, 6 June 2026

Those reactions require some context to appreciate. —David Deal, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026