12 Professional Alternatives to “Sincerely” in an Email

Finding the right way to close an email is important for maintaining professionalism and building good relationships. While “Sincerely” is a common sign-off, it can sometimes feel too formal or overused.

This article offers 12 professional alternatives to help you end your emails in a way that matches the tone and context of your message.

Is It Professional to Say “Sincerely”?

Yes, it is professional to say “Sincerely” in an email. The phrase is also formal and polite. It shows respect and is appropriate for most business and formal communications.

“Sincerely” is best used in professional settings, such as business emails, job applications, or formal letters. It works well with colleagues, clients, supervisors, or anyone you are communicating with in a formal context.

Here is an example:

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to follow up on the project proposal we discussed last week. Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Emily Brown

Pros:

• Shows professionalism
• Widely recognized and accepted
• Appropriate for formal and business communication

Cons:

• May seem too formal for casual emails
• Can feel impersonal
• Overused in many contexts

Someone might want to use an alternative phrase to avoid sounding too formal or impersonal. Using different synonyms can help match the tone of the message more closely to the relationship with the recipient.

12 Other Ways to Say “Sincerely” in an Email

Here are 12 alternatives to “Sincerely” that can add variety to your email sign-offs.

1. Best regards

“Best regards” is a bit less formal than “Sincerely,” but still professional and polite. It conveys a sense of warmth and respect.

This phrase is ideal for business emails where you want to maintain a professional tone without being overly formal. It’s suitable for colleagues, clients, and supervisors, especially in email communication.

Example:

Dear Ms. Johnson,

Thank you for your prompt response. I have attached the requested documents for your review. Please let me know if there is anything else you need.

Best regards,
Michael Lee

2. Kind regards

“Kind regards” is similar to “Best regards,” but adds a touch of friendliness. It’s both polite and professional.

This alternative is great for emails to clients, colleagues, or anyone with whom you want to maintain a friendly yet professional relationship. It is most commonly used in email communications.

Email example:

Dear Dr. Thompson,

I appreciate your feedback on the report. I will make the necessary revisions and send it back to you by the end of the week.

Kind regards,
Sarah Mitchell

3. Warm regards

“Warm regards” is a bit more personal than “Kind regards” and adds a touch of warmth. It remains professional and polite.

Use this phrase in emails where you want to express a bit more warmth and friendliness, such as with long-term clients, colleagues, or associates. It is best suited for email communication.

Here’s an example:

Dear Mr. Garcia,

I hope you are well. I wanted to follow up on our meeting last week and discuss the next steps for the project.

Warm regards,
David Parker

4. Best wishes

“Best wishes” is less formal than “Sincerely” and carries a friendly tone. It’s still polite but not as formal.

This phrase works well in less formal business emails or when writing to colleagues and clients with whom you have a friendly relationship. Email is the ideal medium for this sign-off.

Example:

Hi Lisa,

Thank you for your help with the presentation. It was a great success, and I couldn't have done it without you.

Best wishes,
John Evans

5. Respectfully

“Respectfully” is very formal and conveys a high level of respect. It is more formal than “Sincerely.”

This phrase is best used in formal communications, such as letters or emails to supervisors, higher-ups, or official correspondence. It shows deference and respect.

Email sample:

Dear Professor Clark,

I am writing to express my gratitude for your guidance throughout the semester. Your insights have been invaluable.

Respectfully,
Anna Martinez

6. Cordially

“Cordially” strikes a balance between warmth and formality. It is polite and slightly formal.

Use “Cordially” in professional emails where you want to remain polite and formal, but with a hint of friendliness. Suitable for emails to colleagues, clients, and business partners.

Email example:

Dear Mr. Nguyen,

Thank you for your detailed proposal. We are considering it carefully and will get back to you by next week.

Cordially,
Jessica Brown

7. Yours truly

“Yours truly” is slightly more formal than “Sincerely,” but still polite. It conveys sincerity and professionalism.

This phrase is appropriate for formal business correspondence, including emails and letters to clients, supervisors, and official contacts. It is a good choice for maintaining a formal tone.

Here’s an example:

Dear Mrs. Patel,

I am writing to confirm our appointment on Thursday at 3 PM. Please let me know if this time still works for you.

Yours truly,
Brian Thompson

8. Yours faithfully

“Yours faithfully” is very formal and is typically used when you don’t know the recipient personally. It is respectful and professional.

This sign-off is ideal for formal letters or emails, particularly in situations where you are writing to someone you have not met before. It is commonly used in professional and official correspondence.

Email sample:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for the position of Marketing Coordinator at your esteemed company. I have attached my resume and cover letter for your review.

Yours faithfully,
Laura Stevens

9. Warmest regards

“Warmest regards” is more personal and warm than “Warm regards,” while still being professional.

Use this phrase in emails to colleagues, clients, or business partners with whom you have a closer relationship. It is suitable for email communication, especially when you want to convey a friendly tone.

Example:

Hi Mark,

I hope you are enjoying your vacation. I just wanted to remind you about the meeting scheduled for next Monday.

Warmest regards,
Rebecca Johnson

10. With appreciation

“With appreciation” shows gratitude and is polite and professional. It adds a personal touch.

This sign-off is great for emails where you want to express thanks, such as after receiving help or support from colleagues or clients. It is best suited for email communication.

Email example:

Dear Mr. Allen,

Thank you for your assistance with the project. Your input was incredibly valuable and greatly appreciated.

With appreciation,
Olivia Carter

11. With gratitude

“With gratitude” is similar to “With appreciation,” but a bit more personal. It is still professional and polite.

This phrase is ideal for emails where you want to convey deep thanks, such as after receiving significant help or support from colleagues, supervisors, or clients. It is most effective in email communication.

Email sample:

Dear Ms. Harris,

I am deeply grateful for your mentorship over the past year. Your guidance has made a significant impact on my career.

With gratitude,
Michael Green

12. With thanks

“With thanks” is straightforward and shows gratitude. It is polite and slightly less formal.

This phrase is best used in casual or semi-formal business emails where you want to express thanks without being overly formal. Suitable for emails to colleagues, clients, or associates.

Example:

Hi Emma,

Thanks for sending over the report. It looks great, and I appreciate your hard work on this.

With thanks,
Chris Wilson

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right email sign-off can make a big difference in how your message is received. “Sincerely” is a solid choice, but having a variety of alternatives allows you to match the tone and context of each email. Experiment with these 12 options to find the best fit for different recipients and situations. A well-chosen sign-off can enhance your professionalism and leave a positive impression.