When it comes to writing emails, letters, or other forms of communication, finding the right words is crucial. Expressing yourself with care and thoughtfulness can make a significant impact on the person you’re addressing. While “sincerely” is a classic and polite sign-off, there are many other phrases you can use to add a personal touch or better convey your feelings. Whether you’re seeking a more formal or casual tone, these alternatives will help you express yourself with warmth and sincerity.
What Does “Sincerely” Mean?
Before diving into alternatives, it’s important to understand what “sincerely” means in the context of closing a message. It conveys a genuine, heartfelt tone, suggesting that the writer is being truthful, honest, and sincere. It’s a formal way to end a message, especially in business and professional settings, indicating respect and truthfulness.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Sincerely”?
Yes, “sincerely” is both professional and polite, making it suitable for formal letters, emails, and other business communications. It is typically used in professional settings to convey respect and honesty. However, depending on the context and your relationship with the recipient, you may opt for a different closing to match the tone you wish to convey.
Advantages or Disadvantages of Using “Sincerely”
Advantages:
- It is widely recognized and accepted in formal settings.
- It expresses earnestness and professionalism.
- It adds a courteous tone to the message.
Disadvantages:
- It may feel too stiff or impersonal in more casual or creative communication.
- Overuse can make the sign-off feel robotic and generic.
Synonyms for Sincerely
- Warmly
- Best Regards
- Kind Regards
- Yours Truly
- Best Wishes
- Cheers
- Respectfully
- With Appreciation
- All the Best
- Take Care
- With Gratitude
- Many Thanks
- Faithfully
- Looking Forward
- Until Then
- Appreciatively
- Yours Faithfully
- With Warmest Regards
- Warm Regards
- Stay Safe
- With Love
- All the Best to You
- With Best Intentions
- Until Next Time
- Be Well
- With Sincerity
- Stay Well
- With Best Wishes
- Yours in Service
- Much Appreciated
1. Warmly
Meaning: “Warmly” conveys affection and friendliness while maintaining professionalism.
Tone: Friendly, approachable, polite.
Definition: A friendly sign-off that suggests warmth and a personal connection.
Explanation: Ideal for semi-formal or informal communication, “warmly” suggests a sense of genuine care and a warm relationship.
Scenario Example: “Looking forward to working with you again. Warmly, [Your Name].”
Best Use: This closing is best used in emails to colleagues, clients, or friends when you want to show warmth and cordiality.
2. Best Regards
Meaning: A polite and professional closing, indicating respect and goodwill.
Tone: Professional, respectful.
Definition: A formal yet friendly way to express goodwill.
Explanation: Suitable for both formal and informal emails, “Best Regards” is a safe and versatile sign-off that maintains professionalism without being overly stiff.
Scenario Example: “I appreciate your prompt response. Best regards, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Ideal for business emails, or when corresponding with colleagues and clients you have a good relationship with.
3. Kind Regards
Meaning: An expression of respect and warmth, offering kindness in the closing.
Tone: Professional, polite, warm.
Definition: Similar to “best regards,” but with a slightly more courteous or kind undertone.
Explanation: “Kind regards” strikes a balance between formal and friendly, making it an excellent choice for professional emails.
Scenario Example: “Thank you for your assistance with this matter. Kind regards, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Best used in business communications where you wish to express both professionalism and friendliness.
4. Yours Truly
Meaning: A formal, respectful sign-off, often used in professional settings.
Tone: Formal, respectful, courteous.
Definition: A classic and very formal sign-off that conveys honesty and sincerity.
Explanation: “Yours truly” is more formal than “sincerely” and is often used in business letters, particularly in traditional or legal contexts.
Scenario Example: “Thank you for considering my proposal. Yours truly, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Ideal for official correspondence or formal business letters.
5. Best Wishes
Meaning: A sign-off conveying goodwill and good intentions.
Tone: Warm, friendly, hopeful.
Definition: A cheerful, positive way to close a message, suggesting you wish the recipient well.
Explanation: “Best wishes” is more personal than “sincerely” and is perfect for informal or semi-formal messages where you want to convey a friendly tone.
Scenario Example: “I hope you enjoy the holidays. Best wishes, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Great for casual or semi-formal emails, particularly for personal messages.
6. Cheers
Meaning: A casual, friendly sign-off often used in informal communications.
Tone: Casual, informal, friendly.
Definition: A light-hearted and informal way to sign off, often used between friends or colleagues.
Explanation: “Cheers” is a relaxed and conversational closing, often used in the UK and Australia but gaining popularity elsewhere.
Scenario Example: “Thanks for your help with the project. Cheers, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Best for informal emails or messages to close friends or colleagues with whom you have a relaxed relationship.
7. Respectfully
Meaning: A formal, polite sign-off used to show respect.
Tone: Formal, respectful, deferential.
Definition: This closing is appropriate when you want to show deference and regard for the recipient, often used in hierarchical or authoritative situations.
Explanation: “Respectfully” is more formal and is best suited for professional contexts where showing respect is paramount.
Scenario Example: “I look forward to your response. Respectfully, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Ideal for situations where respect or hierarchy is important, such as communications with superiors.
8. With Appreciation
Meaning: A sign-off that expresses gratitude for the recipient’s time or assistance.
Tone: Grateful, sincere.
Definition: A way to convey your thankfulness, often used after a favor, help, or service.
Explanation: “With appreciation” conveys that you recognize and value the recipient’s contribution, making it an excellent choice when expressing gratitude.
Scenario Example: “Thank you for your support throughout this process. With appreciation, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Perfect for expressing gratitude in professional settings, such as when thanking a colleague or client.
9. All the Best
Meaning: A cheerful, positive sign-off wishing the recipient well.
Tone: Friendly, warm, encouraging.
Definition: A way to express your best wishes and positivity toward the recipient’s future.
Explanation: “All the best” is ideal for closing messages where you want to leave the recipient with an optimistic tone.
Scenario Example: “I hope everything goes smoothly with your move. All the best, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Suitable for casual and semi-formal messages, particularly when wishing someone well in their endeavors.
10. Take Care
Meaning: A caring and informal way to say goodbye.
Tone: Casual, friendly, warm.
Definition: “Take care” is a warm and informal closing that suggests concern for the recipient’s well-being.
Explanation: This sign-off is perfect for messages to friends, family, or colleagues you are on friendly terms with.
Scenario Example: “Looking forward to seeing you soon. Take care, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Ideal for informal messages to friends, close colleagues, or family members.
11. With Gratitude
Meaning: A heartfelt sign-off expressing thankfulness.
Tone: Grateful, appreciative, sincere.
Definition: A closing that shows deep appreciation for the recipient’s help, effort, or kindness.
Explanation: “With gratitude” emphasizes a strong sense of thankfulness, making it ideal for expressing thanks in both formal and semi-formal settings.
Scenario Example: “I am truly grateful for your help during this process. With gratitude, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Perfect for emails and letters where you want to emphasize appreciation for someone’s support or assistance.
12. Many Thanks
Meaning: A common, polite way to express gratitude.
Tone: Polite, warm, friendly.
Definition: A casual and friendly way to say thank you, suitable for both personal and professional communication.
Explanation: “Many thanks” expresses sincere thanks but is more informal than other gratitude sign-offs like “with appreciation.”
Scenario Example: “Many thanks for your prompt reply. Many thanks, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Great for informal emails or personal letters when expressing gratitude.
13. Faithfully
Meaning: A formal and respectful sign-off used in professional correspondence.
Tone: Formal, respectful, professional.
Definition: Often used in formal letters when you don’t know the recipient personally but want to convey respect.
Explanation: “Faithfully” is particularly common in business settings, especially in the UK, where it follows the salutation “Dear Sir/Madam.”
Scenario Example: “Please let me know if you need any additional information. Faithfully, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Best used in formal, business-related correspondence where the recipient’s name is unknown.
14. Looking Forward
Meaning: A positive and optimistic closing that expresses anticipation.
Tone: Friendly, optimistic, forward-looking.
Definition: A closing phrase that conveys your eagerness to continue the conversation or relationship.
Explanation: “Looking forward” works well when you’re anticipating a future interaction or collaboration, offering a hopeful note to your message.
Scenario Example: “I’m excited about the upcoming meeting. Looking forward, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Great for professional emails where you are eagerly awaiting further communication or actions.
15. Until Then
Meaning: A casual and anticipatory sign-off that suggests future interaction.
Tone: Casual, friendly, anticipatory.
Definition: A sign-off used when you expect to connect again at a later time.
Explanation: “Until then” implies that you’ll be in touch soon, making it ideal for informal communication with friends, family, or colleagues.
Scenario Example: “I’ll see you at the event next week. Until then, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Ideal for informal and personal communication when you plan to meet or speak again soon.
16. Appreciatively
Meaning: A sign-off expressing genuine appreciation.
Tone: Grateful, sincere, respectful.
Definition: An expression of sincere thankfulness, commonly used to convey gratitude with formality.
Explanation: “Appreciatively” is a warmer alternative to “best regards” and is suitable for both professional and semi-formal contexts.
Scenario Example: “Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. Appreciatively, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Best used when you want to show heartfelt appreciation, especially in professional or formal emails.
17. Yours Faithfully
Meaning: A formal and respectful closing, often used in business letters.
Tone: Formal, respectful.
Definition: A traditional, respectful sign-off used when you do not know the recipient’s name.
Explanation: Typically used in formal communications, particularly when addressing someone with whom you don’t have a personal connection.
Scenario Example: “I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours faithfully, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Commonly used in formal, business letters or when addressing someone with whom you don’t have a close relationship.
18. With Warmest Regards
Meaning: A warm, respectful sign-off that conveys both professionalism and personal connection.
Tone: Warm, professional, respectful.
Definition: A blend of warmth and formality, ideal for conveying both respect and personal connection.
Explanation: “With warmest regards” is a more personal alternative to “best regards,” suggesting warmth while still maintaining professionalism.
Scenario Example: “It was great catching up with you. With warmest regards, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Suitable for professional relationships where you want to maintain warmth without being overly familiar.
19. Warm Regards
Meaning: A friendly and professional sign-off, offering warmth without being overly informal.
Tone: Friendly, professional.
Definition: A versatile and widely used closing that balances professionalism with warmth.
Explanation: “Warm regards” is ideal when you want to show friendliness while keeping a professional tone.
Scenario Example: “Thank you for your time. Warm regards, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Great for both professional and semi-formal communications, especially when you want to maintain a cordial tone.
20. Stay Safe
Meaning: A caring and thoughtful sign-off, often used in times of uncertainty.
Tone: Caring, empathetic, warm.
Definition: A sign-off that conveys concern for the recipient’s well-being, especially in challenging times.
Explanation: “Stay safe” is used when expressing genuine concern for someone’s safety or well-being, making it particularly appropriate in uncertain times.
Scenario Example: “I hope everything goes smoothly for you. Stay safe, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Ideal for personal messages or when communicating during difficult or uncertain times.
21. With Love
Meaning: A deeply personal sign-off, expressing affection and care.
Tone: Affectionate, personal, intimate.
Definition: A warm and loving sign-off, perfect for close relationships.
Explanation: “With love” is used in very personal communications and is generally reserved for family, close friends, or romantic partners.
Scenario Example: “I miss you already. With love, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Perfect for personal letters, emails, or messages to loved ones.
22. All the Best to You
Meaning: A positive and encouraging closing, wishing the recipient well.
Tone: Friendly, encouraging, optimistic.
Definition: A way to send best wishes, leaving a positive impression.
Explanation: “All the best to you” is a versatile closing, offering good wishes and positivity.
Scenario Example: “I hope everything goes smoothly. All the best to you, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Suitable for both formal and informal messages where you wish the recipient well.
23. With Best Intentions
Meaning: A formal, respectful sign-off that expresses good will.
Tone: Formal, respectful, considerate.
Definition: Conveys that the sender’s intentions are kind and genuine.
Explanation: “With best intentions” is often used when conveying respectful thoughts and good wishes.
Scenario Example: “I hope we can collaborate again soon. With best intentions, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Great for professional or semi-formal correspondence where you want to convey good will and kindness.
24. Until Next Time
Meaning: A sign-off suggesting future communication or meetings.
Tone: Casual, optimistic, friendly.
Definition: Indicates that you expect to communicate again soon.
Explanation: “Until next time” is commonly used when you expect to meet or speak again soon, leaving an optimistic tone.
Scenario Example: “I’m looking forward to our next chat. Until next time, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Ideal for informal emails or messages to friends, family, or colleagues.
25. Be Well
Meaning: A caring, thoughtful sign-off wishing someone good health.
Tone: Caring, warm, empathetic.
Definition: “Be well” expresses concern for the recipient’s well-being, typically used in personal messages.
Explanation: “Be well” conveys your desire for someone’s health and happiness, making it an ideal sign-off for close relationships.
Scenario Example: “Take care of yourself. Be well, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Suitable for personal messages, particularly when wishing the recipient good health.
26. With Sincerity
Meaning: A formal closing that emphasizes genuineness and authenticity.
Tone: Formal, honest, sincere.
Definition: Used to indicate that the sender is being earnest and truthful.
Explanation: “With sincerity” is a formal sign-off that emphasizes the truthfulness and earnestness of the sender’s words.
Scenario Example: “I hope this helps with your decision-making. With sincerity, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Ideal for formal communication where honesty and sincerity are important.
27. Stay Well
Meaning: A caring expression, similar to “stay safe,” suggesting well-being.
Tone: Caring, warm, protective.
Definition: Expresses a desire for the recipient to be healthy and well.
Explanation: “Stay well” is used to show concern for someone’s health and well-being.
Scenario Example: “Looking forward to seeing you soon. Stay well, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Great for personal emails and messages, especially when expressing concern for the recipient’s health.
28. With Best Wishes
Meaning: A polite and friendly way to express good wishes.
Tone: Friendly, positive, formal.
Definition: An optimistic and respectful sign-off that conveys good will.
Explanation: “With best wishes” is suitable for both personal and professional settings, offering encouragement and good luck.
Scenario Example: “Best of luck in your new role. With best wishes, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Works well for semi-formal and formal communication where you want to send your best to the recipient.
29. Take Care
Meaning: A caring and casual sign-off, typically used in personal conversations.
Tone: Friendly, caring, informal.
Definition: A casual expression used to convey good wishes for someone’s health and well-being.
Explanation: “Take care” is a common, warm sign-off, especially in personal emails or messages.
Scenario Example: “Enjoy your weekend! Take care, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Perfect for friends, family, or anyone you have a close relationship with.
30. Be Safe
Meaning: A thoughtful and caring sign-off that expresses concern for the recipient’s safety.
Tone: Caring, empathetic, considerate.
Definition: A simple and direct way to wish someone safety, particularly in uncertain or dangerous times.
Explanation: “Be safe” is often used when the recipient is in a situation that may pose a risk.
Scenario Example: “Travel safely and let me know when you arrive. Be safe, [Your Name].”
Best Use: Suitable for informal, personal messages where you want to show care and concern for someone’s safety.
Conclusion
Choosing the right closing for your message is more than just a formality—it’s an opportunity to convey your feelings, show appreciation, and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re aiming for warmth, professionalism, or a touch of personal connection, these 30 alternatives to “sincerely” can help you express yourself more thoughtfully and meaningfully. Experiment with these phrases to find the one that best suits the tone of your message and the relationship you have with the recipient.
Leo Scott is a passionate writer and editor with a keen eye for detail and a deep love for language. With years of experience in the world of grammar and communication, Leo is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses improve their written content.
