Alternatives to ‘Best Regards’ in Email

25 Great Ways to Replace ‘Best Regards’ in Email

‘Best regards’ is one of the most commonly used email closings, but when used repeatedly, it can start to feel routine and impersonal.

If you’re looking to end your emails on a note that feels more thoughtful, warm, or context-appropriate, you’re in the right place.

This blog introduces 25 polished alternatives that you can use instead of ‘best regards’ and make your impression unique.

1. Formal Alternatives

When professionalism is your priority, you might want to use closings that are general and time-tested.

Below are some formal alternatives to best regards. Knowing when to choose one over another can elevate how you’re perceived.

Sincerely

Sincerely is the safest and most traditional email sign-off for professional communication.

It works well in formal letters, job applications, cover letters, or when writing to someone you don’t know personally.

It keeps the tone respectful and clear without being emotional or overly friendly.

Use this when:

  • Sending a job application or cover letter
  • Reaching out to a client or manager
  • Writing formal business emails

Yours truly

A bit more traditional than “Sincerely,” and common in formal letters. It’s somewhat dated in casual business settings but still perfectly acceptable in legal or academic communication.

Use it: When writing formal, old-school-style emails or letters, especially in academia or government.

Respectfully

This one adds an extra layer of deference. It’s often used when writing to someone in authority, like a government official, senior executive, or professor, especially when your message includes a request or a disagreement.

This sign-off helps you maintain politeness, even when the topic is sensitive or serious.

Use this when:

  • Writing to someone in a higher position
  • Submitting formal complaints or appeals
  • Addressing professors, officials, or senior stakeholders

Cordially

Polished, courteous, and slightly less stiff than “Sincerely.” It adds a tone of warmth while maintaining formality, making it perfect for official invites or professional event follow-ups.

Use it: When emailing stakeholders or responding to invitations, or in formal business correspondence.

With appreciation

This is a refined and formal way to express gratitude. It communicates professionalism and warmth at the same time without sounding too casual.

Use it: When thanking someone formally for a favor, opportunity, or support, especially in client or donor communications.

Also Read: 21+ Formal Responses to ‘We’ll Get Back to You’ (+ Alternatives)

2. Friendly Yet Professional Closings

Sometimes, you’re not sending a formal proposal or a cold pitch, but still, you’re also not chatting with a close friend.

This middle ground is where friendly-yet-professional closings shine. Here are a few versatile closings that keep things casual in this context:

All the best

‘All the best’ shows goodwill without sounding too familiar. It works well in both internal communications and external emails, where the tone is relaxed but respectful.

Use it: When wrapping up a friendly update, non-urgent status email, or general check-in.

Thanks again

This one carries a genuine sense of appreciation, especially when the person has helped you out recently. It’s polite, humble, and leaves a positive impression.

Use it: After receiving assistance, feedback, or support, even in ongoing threads.

Take care

‘Take care’ is slightly more personal, but still professional. This one works great when you want to sound thoughtful without being overly familiar.

It’s commonly used in industries with strong people-oriented communication, like HR, coaching, or education.

Use it: When you’re ending a casual yet courteous message, especially if the person is going through something.

Cheers

Casual, upbeat, and especially common in European or creative workplaces. “Cheers” adds a light touch that still conveys appreciation or closure. Just be aware that it might come across as too informal in some corporate settings.

Use it: When emailing peers in design, marketing, tech, or international teams, where tone is more relaxed.

Until next time

A confident, forward-looking phrase that works well when you know or hope the conversation will continue. It’s warm and leaves things on a thoughtful note.

Use it: At the end of collaborative exchanges, networking follow-ups, or recurring check-ins.

Also Read: How To Respond to A Declined Invitation? 55 Best Replies to Use

3. Closings That Show Gratitude

Sometimes, a simple “thanks” doesn’t do justice to the appreciation you genuinely feel.

Whether someone helped you with a task, gave useful feedback, or simply took the time to read your message, these closings help you express thanks without sounding repetitive.

Here are professional closings that carry a tone of genuine appreciation:

Many thanks

Slightly more expressive than “thanks,” this one gives off a kind, respectful tone that works great in formal and semi-formal settings.

Use it: After receiving information, support, or favors, especially when you want to acknowledge effort.

Much appreciated

Short, punchy, and sincere. It’s often used in quick exchanges and feels conversational without crossing the line into casual.

Use it: In brief follow-up emails or when wrapping up a discussion where the other person has contributed something valuable.

Thanks for your time

This one shows that you value the recipient’s attention, which is especially useful when someone is doing you a favor (like reviewing something or offering guidance).

Use it: In job application follow-ups, consultation requests, or meeting summaries.

With gratitude

Formal, elegant, and heartfelt. It communicates a deeper level of thankfulness without sounding too emotional or dramatic.

Use it: When closing an email after receiving help, mentorship, or support that made a meaningful difference.

Appreciatively

A clean and polished way to express appreciation without sounding too soft. It’s great when you want to sound thankful, yet businesslike.

Use it: When closing out emails to clients, supervisors, or mentors, especially after they’ve taken time to assist or guide you.

Also Read: 85 Best Responses to ‘How Have You Been?’

4. Warm and Personal Closings

Not every email needs to sound buttoned-up.

Sometimes you’re talking to a colleague you’ve worked with for years, a long-time client, or someone you genuinely feel connected to.

These closings are professional enough to be respectful but warm enough to feel personal. Use them when you want to end on a tone that’s friendly, sincere, and relationship-driven.

Warm regards

A notch more personal than “Best regards.” It’s soft, pleasant, and works well across many professional relationships, especially if there’s ongoing communication.

Use it: In client emails, check-ins, or project updates where a personal connection is valuable.

Best wishes

A cheerful and kind way to wrap up. It’s not too formal but still carries warmth. Also great if your email touches on something personal, like a birthday, transition, or new role.

Use it: When congratulating, wishing luck, or writing follow-up notes with a friendly vibe.

Take care

This one leans a little personal, but it’s widely accepted in professional circles. It’s especially nice if you’ve built rapport or want to show a touch of empathy.

Use it: When you’re wrapping up longer threads, support emails, or offering help or closure.

All the best

A balanced closer. It’s neutral enough to suit business, but warm enough to show genuine goodwill.

Use it: For internal messages, status updates, or when you’re sending good vibes for upcoming events or projects.

Looking forward to hearing from you

Technically a closing sentence, but it often replaces a traditional sign-off. It works as a friendly nudge and a polite prompt to continue the conversation.

Use it: When expecting a reply, feedback, or decision.

Also Read: How to End a Presentation: 30+ Examples That Actually Work

5. Creative or Industry-Specific Closings

When you’re working in a creative, tech-driven, or international setting, a generic email closing like “Best regards” might not reflect your tone or personality.

A more tailored sign-off can help you sound authentic and build a stronger rapport.

Here are closings that feel fresh, culturally tuned, or fit specific roles and industries.

Onward

Short and energetic. It gives your email a tone of motivation and drive, making it great for teams, leadership messages, or startup culture.

Use it: When pushing forward in a project, introducing change, or wrapping up after outlining next steps.

Stay awesome

A fun, encouraging closer—best reserved for coworkers or collaborators you know well. It’s upbeat, but it won’t land well in super formal settings.

Use it: In casual team emails, community engagement, or Slack follow-ups that spill into email.

To better days

Poetic and empathetic. It’s especially thoughtful when replying during tough situations—personal or professional.

Use it: When someone’s going through a challenge, burnout, or transition. It shows humanity and kindness.

In collaboration

This one’s perfect for joint projects, partnerships, or cross-functional work. It hints at teamwork and shared goals.

Use it: When signing off after kickoff calls, proposals, or mid-project communication across departments.

Also Read: 50+ Out of Office Messages You’ll Actually Want to Copy

Final Take

The way you end your email is like the firm handshake at the end of a meeting. It shapes the impression you leave.

Whether you want to be seen as helpful, polite, or collaborative, switching up your closing line can do some subtle but powerful work.

If you’re still tempted to stick with “Best regards,” that’s okay too. But now, you’ve got a whole toolkit to experiment and stand out in all the right ways.

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