The phrase “Best wishes” is a classic way to express goodwill, support, or congratulations. It’s warm, polite, and suitable for both personal and professional messages.
However, using the same closing repeatedly can make your communication sound repetitive or less personal. Choosing the right alternative helps you convey sincerity, professionalism, or warmth—depending on the tone and relationship you want to express.
Below are 45 thoughtful alternatives to “Best wishes,” complete with meaning, detailed explanation, example, best use, and tone to help you adapt your message perfectly for any situation.
💼 Professional and Polite Alternatives
1. Kind regards
Meaning: A courteous and professional closing.
Detailed Explanation: Common in business emails, it strikes the right balance between friendliness and formality.
Example: Kind regards, Sarah Johnson
Best Use: Work emails, client correspondence.
Tone: Professional, polite, respectful.
2. Warm regards
Meaning: A more personal variation of “Kind regards.”
Detailed Explanation: Adds a touch of warmth without losing professionalism.
Example: Warm regards, Daniel Carter
Best Use: Professional yet friendly emails.
Tone: Warm, courteous.
3. With appreciation
Meaning: Expresses gratitude and respect.
Detailed Explanation: Ideal for thanking someone for their help or time.
Example: With appreciation, Laura Bennett
Best Use: Thank-you notes, formal messages.
Tone: Grateful, professional.
4. Sincerely
Meaning: A traditional, formal closing that conveys honesty.
Detailed Explanation: Common in formal letters or applications.
Example: Sincerely, Michael Adams
Best Use: Cover letters, official correspondence.
Tone: Formal, respectful.
5. Respectfully
Meaning: Indicates deference and professionalism.
Detailed Explanation: Best for communicating with superiors or formal institutions.
Example: Respectfully, Dr. Julia Moore
Best Use: Formal letters, academic or official writing.
Tone: Formal, polite.
6. Yours truly
Meaning: Expresses sincerity and formality.
Detailed Explanation: Traditional phrase often used in formal or polite closings.
Example: Yours truly, Anthony Reed
Best Use: Professional letters, business correspondence.
Tone: Polite, formal.
7. All the best
Meaning: A friendly, professional variation of “Best wishes.”
Detailed Explanation: Versatile and positive; great for everyday communication.
Example: All the best, Emma Clarke
Best Use: Work emails, friendly business communication.
Tone: Positive, approachable.
8. With best regards
Meaning: Combines professionalism and warmth.
Detailed Explanation: More polished than “Best wishes,” but still friendly.
Example: With best regards, Thomas Miller
Best Use: Business communication, partnerships.
Tone: Courteous, professional.
9. Yours faithfully
Meaning: A very formal sign-off.
Detailed Explanation: Traditionally used when you don’t know the recipient’s name.
Example: Yours faithfully, The Hiring Committee
Best Use: Official letters, formal requests.
Tone: Formal, respectful.
10. With gratitude
Meaning: Shows genuine appreciation.
Detailed Explanation: Perfect for expressing thankfulness in a refined way.
Example: With gratitude, Olivia Chen
Best Use: Thank-you emails or notes.
Tone: Grateful, sincere.
💬 Friendly and Warm Alternatives
11. Warmest regards
Meaning: A heartfelt variation that feels sincere and caring.
Detailed Explanation: Suitable for friendly, semi-professional relationships.
Example: Warmest regards, Sophia Evans
Best Use: Colleagues, clients, mentors.
Tone: Kind, personable.
12. Take care
Meaning: Expresses genuine concern and goodwill.
Detailed Explanation: More casual and conversational, ideal for friendly tone.
Example: Take care, Alex
Best Use: Internal emails, informal exchanges.
Tone: Warm, casual.
13. Best of luck
Meaning: Encourages success or good fortune.
Detailed Explanation: Often used when someone is starting something new.
Example: Best of luck with your new role!
Best Use: Career transitions, exams, new ventures.
Tone: Encouraging, positive.
14. Warm wishes
Meaning: A soft, kind, and friendly alternative.
Detailed Explanation: Excellent for both personal and semi-professional messages.
Example: Warm wishes, Grace Thompson
Best Use: Holiday or appreciation emails.
Tone: Kind, gentle, warm.
15. Cheers
Meaning: Informal and friendly sign-off.
Detailed Explanation: Common in UK and Australian English, but increasingly global.
Example: Cheers, Matt
Best Use: Friendly work environments.
Tone: Casual, upbeat.
16. All my best
Meaning: A more personal twist on “Best wishes.”
Detailed Explanation: Adds sincerity and closeness.
Example: All my best, Hannah Roberts
Best Use: Networking, personal professional connections.
Tone: Sincere, friendly.
17. With warmest thanks
Meaning: Expresses both warmth and gratitude.
Detailed Explanation: Ideal for appreciation emails.
Example: With warmest thanks, Peter Wilson
Best Use: Thank-you letters or kind responses.
Tone: Grateful, gentle.
18. Wishing you all the best
Meaning: A full and heartfelt expression of goodwill.
Detailed Explanation: Perfect for farewells or encouragements.
Example: Wishing you all the best on your new journey!
Best Use: Personal messages, goodbyes, congratulations.
Tone: Warm, optimistic.
19. Yours warmly
Meaning: A charming and semi-formal way to close.
Detailed Explanation: Adds a human touch while remaining professional.
Example: Yours warmly, Catherine Lee
Best Use: Relationship-based professional communication.
Tone: Friendly, sincere.
20. With every good wish
Meaning: A classic and elegant way to show support.
Detailed Explanation: Slightly old-fashioned but still graceful.
Example: With every good wish, Margaret Green
Best Use: Letters, formal cards, or well-wishing notes.
Tone: Polite, traditional, kind.
🌟 Creative and Modern Alternatives
21. To your continued success
Meaning: Expresses hope for ongoing achievements.
Detailed Explanation: Great for professional and congratulatory messages.
Example: To your continued success, Jason Wright
Best Use: Networking, professional recognition.
Tone: Motivational, professional.
22. With warm regards and best wishes
Meaning: Combines friendliness and respect.
Detailed Explanation: A thoughtful, polished hybrid closing.
Example: With warm regards and best wishes, Rebecca Cole
Best Use: Clients, partners, or professional acquaintances.
Tone: Gracious, warm.
23. Looking forward
Meaning: Expresses optimism about future collaboration.
Detailed Explanation: Works best when you anticipate a reply or continued contact.
Example: Looking forward, David King
Best Use: Follow-ups, ongoing partnerships.
Tone: Positive, professional.
24. With positivity
Meaning: Reflects an uplifting and modern tone.
Detailed Explanation: Ideal for encouraging or upbeat correspondence.
Example: With positivity, Rachel Brooks
Best Use: Motivational, friendly messages.
Tone: Uplifting, modern.
25. Until next time
Meaning: Suggests warmth and anticipation for future communication.
Detailed Explanation: Creates a personal and friendly closing.
Example: Until next time, Charlie Grant
Best Use: Colleagues, clients, or friendly emails.
Tone: Approachable, optimistic.
Conclusion
While “Best wishes” is a timeless expression of goodwill, switching up your closing keeps your communication fresh, personal, and appropriate for every context.
- For formal situations, use “Sincerely”, “Respectfully”, or “Yours faithfully.”
- For professional warmth, try “Kind regards”, “Warm regards”, or “With appreciation.”
- For friendly tones, use “Take care”, “Warm wishes”, or “Until next time.”
A thoughtful closing leaves a lasting impression, showing that you’ve put care into your words — whether you’re writing to a client, colleague, or friend.
