Introduction
“Sincerely” has long been a safe, respectable email closing—but in modern professional communication, it can sometimes feel repetitive, outdated, or emotionally flat. As workplace writing becomes more nuanced and relationship-driven, choosing the right closing phrase matters more than ever.
Whether you’re emailing a client, responding to a recruiter, or closing a high-stakes business conversation, the alternative you choose can subtly communicate warmth, confidence, authority, or professionalism.
This guide explores professional alternatives to “sincerely”, showing you exactly when to use them, how they differ, and why they work, so every email you send ends on the right note.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Choosing an alternative to “sincerely” depends on formality, relationship, and purpose.
Formal Usage
Used for corporate emails, legal correspondence, executives, or first-time contacts.
- Job applications
- Client proposals
- Legal or HR emails
Semi-Formal Usage
Best for ongoing professional relationships.
- Team communication
- Follow-ups with clients
- Vendor or partner emails
Casual-Professional Usage
Appropriate when rapport already exists.
- Internal emails
- Friendly check-ins
- Informal updates
Example Situations
- Ending a cover letter to a hiring manager
- Closing a proposal email to a client
- Responding to a senior colleague
- Following up after a meeting
- Maintaining polite distance in formal correspondence
20 Professional Alternatives to “Sincerely”
1. Kind regards
Meaning: Polite, warm, and professional
Examples:
- Kind regards, I look forward to your response.
- Thank you for your time—kind regards.
- Kind regards, please let me know if you need clarification.
- I appreciate your support. Kind regards.
- Kind regards, and best wishes for your project.
Why it works: Balanced tone—neither cold nor overly personal.
2. Best regards
Meaning: Professional with a friendly tone
Examples:
- Best regards, I’ll await your feedback.
- Thank you again. Best regards.
- Best regards, and have a productive week.
- I appreciate the update. Best regards.
- Best regards, looking forward to working together.
Why it works: Widely accepted in business communication.
3. Regards
Meaning: Neutral and concise
Examples:
- Regards, please see the attached file.
- Thank you. Regards.
- Regards, I’ll follow up next week.
- Regards, feel free to reach out.
- Regards, awaiting confirmation.
Why it works: Clean and professional without emotional weight.
4. With appreciation
Meaning: Expresses gratitude respectfully
Examples:
- With appreciation, thank you for your support.
- I value your help. With appreciation.
- With appreciation, I look forward to your reply.
- Many thanks—With appreciation.
- With appreciation, wishing you continued success.
Why it works: Ideal when gratitude matters.
5. Respectfully
Meaning: Formal and deferential
Examples:
- Respectfully, I submit this request.
- Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully.
- Respectfully, awaiting your guidance.
- I appreciate your leadership. Respectfully.
- Respectfully, yours.
Why it works: Shows authority while honoring hierarchy.
6. With kind regards
Meaning: Polite and warm
Examples:
- With kind regards, thank you for your time.
- With kind regards, looking forward to your reply.
- I appreciate your insights. With kind regards.
- With kind regards, best wishes.
- With kind regards, happy to assist further.
Why it works: Softer than “sincerely,” yet professional.
7. Best wishes
Meaning: Friendly and positive
Examples:
- Best wishes, and thank you again.
- Best wishes for a successful launch.
- Best wishes, speak soon.
- Wishing you well—best wishes.
- Best wishes, and have a great week.
Why it works: Adds warmth without losing professionalism.
8. Yours truly
Meaning: Traditional and formal
Examples:
- Yours truly, thank you for reviewing my application.
- Yours truly, awaiting your response.
- Yours truly, I appreciate your consideration.
- Yours truly, with gratitude.
- Yours truly, looking forward to next steps.
Why it works: Formal alternative when tradition is preferred.
9. Warm regards
Meaning: Professional with emotional warmth
Examples:
- Warm regards, thank you for your support.
- Warm regards, hope all is well.
- Warm regards, looking forward to collaborating.
- With thanks—warm regards.
- Warm regards, speak soon.
Why it works: Builds rapport without sounding casual.
10. With thanks
Meaning: Direct appreciation
Examples:
- With thanks, I appreciate your help.
- With thanks, please see my response below.
- With thanks, looking forward to next steps.
- With thanks, happy to discuss further.
- With thanks, best regards.
Why it works: Clear, polite, and efficient.
11. Cordially
Meaning: Polite and formal
Examples:
- Cordially, thank you for your attention.
- Cordially, awaiting your response.
- Cordially, best wishes.
- Cordially, I appreciate your cooperation.
- Cordially, yours.
Why it works: Refined tone for formal correspondence.
12. With respect
Meaning: Shows esteem and professionalism
Examples:
- With respect, thank you for your guidance.
- With respect, I submit this proposal.
- With respect, looking forward to your advice.
- With respect, best regards.
- With respect, awaiting your decision.
Why it works: Strong in hierarchical communication.
13. Thank you
Meaning: Simple and effective
Examples:
- Thank you, I appreciate your time.
- Thank you, looking forward to your reply.
- Thank you, and have a great day.
- Thank you, happy to assist further.
- Thank you, best regards.
Why it works: Direct and universally accepted.
14. Many thanks
Meaning: Friendly professionalism
Examples:
- Many thanks, I appreciate your support.
- Many thanks, speak soon.
- Many thanks, awaiting confirmation.
- Many thanks, best wishes.
- Many thanks, and have a great week.
Why it works: Polite with a positive tone.
15. Appreciatively
Meaning: Gratitude-focused
Examples:
- Appreciatively, thank you for your assistance.
- Appreciatively, looking forward to your reply.
- Appreciatively, best regards.
- Appreciatively, with thanks.
- Appreciatively, happy to connect.
Why it works: Ideal when appreciation is the main message.
16. Faithfully
Meaning: Formal and traditional
Examples:
- Faithfully, yours.
- Faithfully, thank you for your time.
- Faithfully, awaiting response.
- Faithfully, with respect.
- Faithfully, best regards.
Why it works: Suitable for formal or legal correspondence.
17. With best regards
Meaning: Polite and refined
Examples:
- With best regards, thank you for your help.
- With best regards, looking forward to next steps.
- With best regards, happy to assist.
- With best regards, speak soon.
- With best regards, best wishes.
Why it works: Elevated alternative to “best regards.”
18. Gratefully
Meaning: Expresses sincere gratitude
Examples:
- Gratefully, thank you for your support.
- Gratefully, I appreciate your assistance.
- Gratefully, awaiting your reply.
- Gratefully, best regards.
- Gratefully, happy to connect.
Why it works: Strong appreciation without informality.
19. With sincere thanks
Meaning: Polite and formal gratitude
Examples:
- With sincere thanks, I appreciate your time.
- With sincere thanks, looking forward to your response.
- With sincere thanks, best regards.
- With sincere thanks, happy to assist further.
- With sincere thanks, wishing you well.
Why it works: Keeps sincerity while sounding professional.
20. Best
Meaning: Short, modern, semi-formal
Examples:
- Best, speak soon.
- Best, thanks again.
- Best, looking forward to next steps.
- Best, happy to help.
- Best, have a great day.
Why it works: Efficient and contemporary.
Consideration: How to Choose the Right Phrase
- Match the formality level of the recipient
- Consider relationship depth
- Factor in emotional tone (neutral vs warm)
- Think about context and urgency
- Avoid over-formal language in casual threads
Mini Examples
- Job application → Respectfully
- Client follow-up → Kind regards
- Internal team email → Best
Quick One-Line Templates
- Thank you for your time—kind regards.
- Looking forward to your response. Best regards.
- With appreciation, I value your support.
- Please let me know if you have questions. Best.
- Thank you again. Warm regards.
- I appreciate your consideration. Respectfully.
- With sincere thanks, looking forward to next steps.
- Many thanks, speak soon.
- Best wishes for a productive week.
- With kind regards, happy to assist further.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using casual closings in formal emails
- Overusing “sincerely” in modern communication
- Mismatching tone with recipient hierarchy
- Repeating the same closing in long threads
- Using overly emotional phrases in business emails
FAQ
Is “sincerely” still professional?
Yes, but it can feel outdated or repetitive in modern emails.
What’s the best alternative for job applications?
“Respectfully” or “Kind regards.”
Can I use “best” in professional emails?
Yes, for semi-formal or internal communication.
Which alternative sounds most polite?
“With appreciation” or “With sincere thanks.”
Are these suitable for business emails?
Yes—all options are professional and context-appropriate.
Should I change my closing based on the recipient?
Absolutely—tone and hierarchy matter.
Conclusion
Choosing the right alternative to “sincerely” is a small detail that makes a powerful impact. The closing line of your email reinforces professionalism, tone, and intent—often shaping how your message is remembered.
By using these professional alternatives thoughtfully, you elevate your communication, strengthen relationships, and leave a confident final impression.
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