Have you ever stared at an email, wondering if “Sincerely” feels too stiff or outdated? You’re not alone!
Choosing the right sign-off can set the tone for your message, whether it’s a work email, a friendly note, or a heartfelt letter.
The phrase what to say instead of sincerely is a common search because people want closings that feel authentic and match their personality.
A good sign-off leaves a lasting impression, showing warmth, professionalism, or even a touch of creativity.
In this post, we’ll explore fresh alternatives to “Sincerely” that suit different situations.
From casual to formal, you’ll find ideas to make your messages stand out. Let’s dive into creative ways to end your emails and letters with style!
Why “Sincerely” Feels Overused
“Sincerely” is a classic, but it can feel like a default choice that lacks personality.
It’s formal and polite, but in today’s world, emails and letters often call for something warmer or more specific.
Using the same sign-off repeatedly can make your messages blend together, especially in professional or personal relationships where you want to stand out.
Real-life scenario: Imagine you’re emailing a colleague about a project. Ending with “Sincerely” might seem cold, especially if you’ve worked together for years. Instead, try something like “Best regards” or “Looking forward to crushing it!” to add warmth or energy.
Examples:
- Instead of: “Sincerely, Jane”
- Try: “Best wishes, Jane” or “Cheers, Jane”
- Avoid: Overly casual closings like “Later!” in formal emails.
Casual Alternatives for Friendly Notes
When writing to friends or close colleagues, you want a sign-off that feels relaxed and approachable. Casual closings show your personality and make the reader smile. These are perfect for emails, texts, or even handwritten notes to people you know well.
Real-life scenario: You’re sending a quick email to a coworker about weekend plans. “Sincerely” feels too stiff, but “See ya!” might be too informal. A middle ground like “Take care” keeps it friendly without overdoing it.
Examples:
- Instead of: “Sincerely, Mark”
- Try: “Take care, Mark” or “Talk soon, Mark”
- Avoid: “Yours truly” (too formal) or “Peace out” (too slangy for most contexts).
Professional Yet Warm Sign-Offs
In workplace emails, you want to sound polished but not robotic. Professional alternatives to “Sincerely” strike a balance between formal and friendly, showing respect while building rapport. These work well for clients, bosses, or new contacts.
Real-life scenario: You’re emailing a potential client after a meeting. “Sincerely” feels standard, but “Kind regards” or “Warm regards” adds a touch of friendliness while staying professional.
Examples:
- Instead of: “Sincerely, Sarah”
- Try: “Kind regards, Sarah” or “Best, Sarah”
- Avoid: “Love” (too personal) or “Yours” (vague and outdated).
Heartfelt Closings for Personal Letters
When writing to family, close friends, or someone special, you want a sign-off that feels emotional and genuine. Heartfelt closings convey love, gratitude, or support, making your message memorable.
Real-life scenario: You’re writing a thank-you note to a friend who helped you through a tough time. “Sincerely” feels too formal, while “Love” might not fit your relationship. Try “With gratitude” or “Forever thankful” to express your feelings.
Examples:
- Instead of: “Sincerely, Emma”
- Try: “With gratitude, Emma” or “All my best, Emma”
- Avoid: “Regards” (too cold) or “XOXO” (unless you’re very close).
Creative Sign-Offs to Stand Out
Want to leave a lasting impression? Creative sign-offs add flair and show your unique style. These are great for emails to creative industries, personal projects, or when you want to be memorable.
Real-life scenario: You’re pitching a project to a design agency. “Sincerely” feels bland, but “Stay inspired” or “Keep creating” aligns with their vibe and shows enthusiasm.
Examples:
- Instead of: “Sincerely, Alex”
- Try: “Stay inspired, Alex” or “Keep shining, Alex”
- Avoid: Overly quirky closings like “Catch ya later” in professional settings.
Context Matters: Choosing the Right Sign-Off
The best sign-off depends on your audience, purpose, and relationship. A sign-off that works for a friend might flop with a boss. Always consider the tone of your message and the impression you want to leave.
Real-life scenario: You’re emailing a professor about a deadline. “Sincerely” is safe, but “Best regards” feels more modern. For a friend asking about the same deadline, “Catch you later” might work better.
Examples:
- Instead of: “Sincerely, Liam”
- Try: “Best regards, Liam” (professional) or “Talk soon, Liam” (casual)
- Avoid: Mixing tones, like “Warmly” in a formal complaint letter.
Conclusion
Finding what to say instead of sincerely is all about matching your sign-off to the moment.
Whether you’re aiming for professional polish, heartfelt warmth, or creative flair, the right closing makes your message feel personal and impactful.
Experiment with alternatives like “Best regards,” “Take care,” or “Stay inspired” to reflect your style and strengthen connections.
Next time you’re tempted to default to “Sincerely,” pause and pick a sign-off that feels like you.
Your emails and letters will leave a better impression, and your readers will appreciate the thought you put into it.
