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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 However, rain is not just appreciated for its function. Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025 Perez has appreciated Wendlinger’s willingness to move around. Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025 After spending nearly a decade on the San Diego Historical Resources Board and a lifetime appreciating older buildings and landmarks, La Jolla resident Courtney Coyle will be stepping down from her role in the coming weeks. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025 Libras appreciate stability and balance in life, and moto boho offers the perfect harmony of edgy and eclectic. Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for appreciate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appreciate
Verb
  • Rates of dental decay would likely increase in communities without fluoride in drinking water, according to the American Fluoridation Society.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2025
  • That reticence could conceivably involve suppressing concerns about how the U.S. military’s increasing involvement in domestic missions is placing strains on resources and readiness.
    Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Acosta loved the outdoors, regularly volunteering at Shake-A-Leg, the sailing program in Coconut Grove that works with individuals with disabilities, her family said.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
  • What’s not to love about Betty Boop, U.S.-based international ambassador?
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In Congress, Trump’s Tariff Pullback Sparks Relief, Frustration, and Suspicion At the White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt scolded reporters for not understanding the president’s plans.
    Time, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
  • IndieWire understands the festival was waiting to confirm Denzel Washington’s attendance, and indeed the star will be at Cannes.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • On the one hand, such tactical flexibility is to be admired as Potter looks to implement a style of play that is grounded in the same principles, irrespective of his system or personnel.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Audi can make your 2010s niche racing dreams come true, in other words, which is probably a better way to spend the money burning a hole in your pocket than buying yet another supercar that will sit in a garage to be admired.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • China’s tariffs would rise by one percentage point; the European Union’s would shift by even less.
    Ben Blatt, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Fans chose sides, hashtags trended, and both artists saw streaming numbers rise.
    Remy Blumenfeld, HollywoodReporter, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Backed by $60 million in venture capital and at one time valued at $200 million, Whisper’s promise of a place to share their secrets anonymously had drawn millions of users.
    Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Marvell Technology — Shares pulled back 1.9% after popping more than 7% midday following the company’s agreement to sell its auto ethernet business to Infineon Technologies in an all-cash deal valued at $2.5 billion.
    Sean Conlon, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Snow is best known for being part of the ensemble cast in Universal’s Pitch Perfect and its two sequels.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • It was best known as the home to a long list of A-list stars, filmmakers and Hollywood insiders.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That’s not what’s happening here; these are heavy-handed slashings by a man who fundamentally does not understand or respect the functions of the agencies under his stewardship.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Surely that must shock and horrify all those who respect democracy and the rule of law.
    Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Appreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appreciate. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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