20 Other Ways to Say “Sincerely”

“Sincerely” is a widely used closing word in written communication, most often appearing at the end of letters and emails to convey politeness, respect, and a sense of genuine tone. For instance, when someone ends an email with “Sincerely, John,” it signals a formal closure that is respectful, clear, and universally recognized.

However, while “Sincerely” is both safe and professional, it can sometimes feel repetitive or overly formal depending on the tone of the message and your relationship with the recipient. Fortunately, there are many effective alternatives that carry a similar intention—each offering a slightly different flavor of tone, warmth, or professionalism. In this post, we will explore 20 suitable substitutes for “Sincerely” that you can confidently use depending on context, formality, and purpose.

Other Ways to Say “Sincerely”

1. Kind regards

Example: “Kind regards, Emma”
Meaning: This closing phrase strikes a balance between professionalism and warmth, making it a popular choice in business emails when you want to remain courteous without sounding overly stiff or distant.
Usage: Ideal for general workplace communication, particularly when writing to someone you don’t know very well but want to remain polite and cordial.

2. Best regards

Example: “Best regards, David”
Meaning: Similar to “Kind regards,” this variation adds a slightly more enthusiastic tone while still keeping the message respectful and appropriate for most professional settings.
Usage: Best used in formal and semi-formal emails, such as those to coworkers, clients, or supervisors.

3. Yours truly

Example: “Yours truly, Catherine”
Meaning: This classic sign-off adds a sense of formality and deference, implying that the sender is offering their message in full honesty and good faith.
Usage: Often used in traditional or formal letter writing, such as legal correspondence, applications, or older-fashioned professional exchanges.

4. Yours faithfully

Example: “Yours faithfully, Mr. Anderson”
Meaning: Most common in British English, this sign-off is typically used when the recipient’s name is unknown and the letter begins with “Dear Sir or Madam.”
Usage: Recommended for formal letters or documents where personal connection is minimal or nonexistent.

5. Warm regards

Example: “Warm regards, Olivia”
Meaning: By adding “warm,” this variation injects friendliness and a sense of closeness while still preserving a respectful tone.
Usage: Ideal when writing to colleagues, long-term clients, or acquaintances with whom you have a warm professional relationship.

6. With appreciation

Example: “With appreciation, Mark”
Meaning: This phrase conveys gratitude and acknowledges the value of the communication or the recipient’s time and effort.
Usage: Often used when thanking someone for their help, time, support, or cooperation—especially in semi-formal contexts.

7. With gratitude

Example: “With gratitude, Aisha”
Meaning: Slightly more emotional than “With appreciation,” this closing conveys heartfelt thanks and deeper personal sentiment.
Usage: Works well in thank-you letters, messages of appreciation, or situations where emotional sincerity is welcome.

8. Respectfully

Example: “Respectfully, Thomas”
Meaning: A formal, deferential closing that expresses politeness and submission, especially when addressing someone in a higher position or authority.
Usage: Often used in formal or legal correspondence, particularly when writing to officials, professors, or superiors.

9. Best

Example: “Best, Lily”
Meaning: This abbreviated closing is concise and informal but still friendly and professional enough for many modern business emails.
Usage: Works well in casual or internal communication, especially among colleagues or peers.

10. Cordially

Example: “Cordially, James”
Meaning: While a bit old-fashioned, this sign-off is warm, polite, and carries a touch of elegance—though it may come across as overly formal in some modern contexts.
Usage: Appropriate in diplomatic, ceremonial, or high-formality letters or when writing to someone with whom you wish to maintain a respectful tone.

11. Cheers

Example: “Cheers, Daniel”
Meaning: A casual and upbeat sign-off that is especially common in British and Australian English, adding a friendly and informal tone to your message.
Usage: Best suited for casual emails or friendly exchanges with coworkers, teammates, or personal contacts.

12. Thanks again

Example: “Thanks again, Priya”
Meaning: This closing is both appreciative and conversational, reinforcing gratitude previously mentioned in the email.
Usage: Useful in informal to semi-formal contexts where you want to end on a thankful note without sounding repetitive.

13. Many thanks

Example: “Many thanks, George”
Meaning: A more formal version of “Thanks,” this phrase conveys polite appreciation while maintaining a polished tone.
Usage: Appropriate for professional settings where you want to emphasize politeness and gratitude.

14. All the best

Example: “All the best, Hannah”
Meaning: This well-wishing closing implies positive intentions and good fortune for the recipient, making it warm and slightly informal.
Usage: A flexible sign-off for friendly business communications or semi-personal notes.

15. Thank you

Example: “Thank you, Noor”
Meaning: Direct and universally understood, this phrase clearly expresses appreciation and keeps the tone respectful.
Usage: Works in nearly any setting, especially when gratitude is central to your message.

16. Regards

Example: “Regards, Ben”
Meaning: A straightforward and neutral sign-off that neither adds warmth nor coldness—perfect for standard communications.
Usage: Ideal when you want to maintain professionalism without sounding overly formal or emotional.

17. Take care

Example: “Take care, Jenna”
Meaning: This phrase adds a sense of care and personal warmth, implying you are concerned about the recipient’s well-being.
Usage: Better suited to personal messages or professional relationships where you have an established rapport.

18. Yours respectfully

Example: “Yours respectfully, Mr. Lee”
Meaning: A more formal variation of “Respectfully,” often used when addressing senior figures or writing letters of complaint or concern.
Usage: Common in formal or legal contexts that require a tone of deference and civility.

19. Looking forward

Example: “Looking forward, Sarah”
Meaning: This closing implies anticipation and eagerness about future communication or collaboration.
Usage: Best used when a follow-up is expected, especially in emails where you’ve invited or requested a response.

20. Faithfully yours

Example: “Faithfully yours, Jonathan”
Meaning: A warm, formal variation that indicates trust and commitment, slightly more traditional in tone.
Usage: Works well in ceremonial or traditional communication, particularly in formal written letters or in diplomatic correspondence.

When to Use Different “Sincerely” Alternatives

In Professional Emails

When writing to a manager, client, or colleague in a formal setting, sign-offs like “Kind regards,” “Best regards,” or “With appreciation” maintain both professionalism and warmth without sounding robotic or distant.

In Friendly or Informal Emails

For less formal situations—like chatting with a teammate or reaching out to someone you know personally—closings such as “Cheers,” “Take care,” or even “Thanks again” can help end your message on a lighter, more human note.

In Creative or Unique Messages

If you’re writing something more personalized, artistic, or out of the norm—such as a personal blog post, holiday greeting, or open letter—phrases like “Faithfully yours,” “Looking forward,” or “Warm regards” can add character and thoughtful nuance.

Conclusion

While “Sincerely” has long held a place as the go-to sign-off for letters and emails, it’s far from the only option available. Depending on who you’re writing to, the purpose of your message, and the tone you wish to convey, you have a wide range of alternatives that offer varying degrees of formality, friendliness, or gratitude. By choosing your closing words carefully, you not only leave a positive final impression but also align your tone with your intent more precisely.

FAQs

What does “Sincerely” mean at the end of a letter?

“Sincerely” is a formal closing word used to express genuine intent and polite regard, typically placed before the sender’s name at the end of a letter or email.

Is “Sincerely” appropriate for all emails?

While “Sincerely” is acceptable in nearly all formal contexts, there are situations—especially in casual emails—where it may feel too stiff, and alternatives like “Best” or “Thanks” might be more appropriate.

What is a more casual way to say “Sincerely”?

“Best,” “Cheers,” or “Take care” are all more casual alternatives to “Sincerely” and can be used when writing to friends, peers, or in less formal situations.