8 Great Alternatives: Another Phrase for Best Wishes in 2025

Sending a message is easy, but making it memorable is a skill. The final words you choose—your sign-off—can leave a lasting impression, shaping how your message is received. While 'best wishes' is a perfectly fine closing, it can sometimes feel a bit generic or impersonal. Finding another phrase for best wishes lets you tailor your sentiment to the specific person and situation, adding a layer of thoughtfulness that gets noticed. This small adjustment can make a big difference.

Whether you're sending a professional email, a heartfelt note to a friend, a formal letter, or a casual message, the right closing reinforces your tone and strengthens your connection. It shows you've put thought into your words, moving beyond a simple default. The impact of carefully selected words cannot be understated. Just as we suggest thoughtful closing phrases in communication, it's interesting to consider how critical specific language and representation are in other contexts. For instance, you can explore more about the significance of language choices in mediums like children's literature, where every word helps shape understanding.

This guide is your go-to resource for just that. We will walk you through a wide variety of excellent alternatives, broken down by context and tone. You'll find options suitable for everything from formal business correspondence to warm personal notes. Our goal is to equip you with the perfect words for any occasion, helping you make every message more specific, sincere, and effective.

1. Warm Regards

"Warm Regards" is a versatile and widely accepted professional sign-off. It serves as an excellent alternative to "best wishes" because it skillfully balances professionalism with a touch of personal warmth. This phrase is perfect for situations where you want to show genuine friendliness and respect without being overly formal or too casual. It suggests a positive and approachable relationship while maintaining necessary professional boundaries.

This closing works so well because "warm" implies kindness and sincerity, while "regards" upholds a sense of professional respect. This combination makes it a reliable choice for a broad spectrum of communications, from initial contact with a potential client to ongoing correspondence with established colleagues. Understanding the subtle power of such phrases is key to effective communication. For those looking to deepen their knowledge, you can explore more about the types of diction to see how word choice shapes perception.

When to Use "Warm Regards"

This phrase is most effective in scenarios that call for a polite, friendly, yet professional tone.

• First-time Communication: It is an ideal sign-off when emailing a new professional contact, a potential employer, or a new client. It establishes a positive tone from the start.
• Networking Follow-ups: After meeting someone at a conference or professional event, using "Warm Regards" in a follow-up email helps maintain the positive connection you made.
• Internal Communications: It's suitable for emails to colleagues in other departments or senior management where you have a good working relationship but aren't close friends.

Actionable Tips for Use

To make the most of this closing, consider these points:

• Maintain Consistency: The tone of "Warm Regards" should match the body of your message. Your email should be polite, respectful, and friendly throughout.
• Pair with a Professional Signature: For maximum effect, follow the closing with a clean, professional signature block that includes your full name, title, and contact information.
• Avoid Overuse with Close Colleagues: For daily emails with teammates you know well, a more casual sign-off like "Thanks" or "Cheers" might be more appropriate. Save "Warm Regards" for when you need that extra touch of polished warmth.

2. All the Best

"All the Best" is a popular, modern sign-off that strikes an excellent balance between warmth and professionalism. It serves as a fantastic alternative to "best wishes" because it conveys genuine support and positivity in a concise, friendly manner. The phrase feels sincere and hopeful, making it suitable for both professional and semi-casual communications where a relaxed but respectful tone is appropriate.

This closing is effective because it’s both straightforward and heartfelt. "All the Best" implies a wish for success and well-being in all future endeavors, whether it's a project, a new job, or a personal matter. Its versatility allows it to fit comfortably in emails, LinkedIn messages, and even closing remarks in a conversation, making it a reliable choice for contemporary business correspondence.

When to Use "All the Best"

This phrase is most effective in situations that benefit from a touch of personal encouragement without sacrificing professional decorum.

• Networking and Follow-ups: It's an ideal closing for messages to contacts you've recently met, especially in creative or tech industries. It reinforces a positive and supportive connection.
• Colleague Communications: Use it when wishing a coworker well on a new project, a vacation, or when they are leaving the company. It’s a warm way to show support.
• Professional Social Media: This phrase works well in LinkedIn messages or comments where you want to offer encouragement to a connection on a recent achievement or new role.

Actionable Tips for Use

To use this closing effectively, keep the context in mind.

• Match the Tone: The friendly and supportive nature of "All the Best" should align with the overall tone of your message. It pairs well with encouraging and positive content.
• Consider the Audience: This closing is particularly well-received in younger, less formal, or creative professional environments like startups and tech companies.
• Follow with a Simple Signature: A clean signature with just your name, or your full professional details, works perfectly after this closing. It maintains a modern and uncluttered feel.

3. Kindest Regards

"Kindest Regards" is a more heartfelt and formal alternative to "best wishes." It elevates the standard "Regards" by adding an emotional layer of genuine care and sincerity. This phrase skillfully merges formality with a personal touch, making it ideal for situations where you want to express both professional respect and a sincere human connection. It suggests a deeper level of goodwill than its simpler counterparts.

The power of this closing lies in the word "kindest," which implies a superlative level of warmth and thoughtfulness. It signals to the recipient that your good wishes are not merely a formality but come from a place of authentic concern. This makes it an excellent choice for relationship-building correspondence where empathy is key. Seeing well-crafted communication like this in action can be very instructive, and you can review several professional writing samples to see how tone is established.

When to Use "Kindest Regards"

This phrase is most powerful in communications that require sensitivity, formality, and genuine appreciation.

• Relationship-Building: Use it in correspondence with important clients, mentors, or partners where you want to reinforce a strong, positive connection.
• Sensitive Topics: It is a suitable closing for messages that touch on personal or sensitive matters, such as acknowledging a colleague's personal hardship or offering support.
• Expressing Gratitude: It works exceptionally well in thank-you notes or emails, as it adds weight to your expression of appreciation. This could be after a job interview or when thanking a speaker for their contribution.
• Formal First Impressions: When reaching out to a respected professional or academic for the first time, "Kindest Regards" sets a tone of deep respect and sincerity.

Actionable Tips for Use

To use this closing effectively, keep the context in mind:

• Ensure Sincerity: The use of "kindest" should feel authentic. It is best reserved for situations where you genuinely feel a strong sense of goodwill.
• Personalize the Message: This closing is most effective when the body of your message is personalized and thoughtful. A generic message followed by "Kindest Regards" can feel disjointed.
• Match the Tone: The overall tone of your communication should be formal and respectful. A casual or overly brief message would not align well with this sign-off.
• Avoid Casual Follow-ups: In a rapid back-and-forth email chain, switching to a simpler closing like "Thank you" or just your name is appropriate after the initial formal exchange.

4. Wishing You Success

"Wishing You Success" is a powerful, goal-oriented phrase that stands as a supportive alternative to "best wishes." It moves beyond general goodwill to convey specific, positive intentions for the recipient's future endeavors. This closing is particularly effective because it directly acknowledges the recipient's aspirations and clearly positions the sender as a supporter of their goals, making it an excellent choice for professional and developmental relationships.

This sign-off works so well because it is both personal and professional. "Wishing" adds a human touch, while "Success" aligns with professional ambition and achievement. The combination creates a tone of encouragement and respect, which is ideal in contexts where performance, growth, and results are central themes. It communicates that you are not just hoping for a good outcome but are actively championing their journey toward a specific accomplishment.

When to Use "Wishing You Success"

This phrase is most impactful in situations where you are aware of the recipient's goals and want to offer encouragement.

• Mentorship and Academia: A professor can use it when writing to a graduate student ahead of their thesis defense, or a mentor can sign off with it in an email to their mentee before a big presentation.
• Recruitment and Hiring: A recruiter might use this when communicating with a promising candidate who is moving to the next stage of the interview process.
• Business and Entrepreneurship: It's a fitting close for a venture capitalist emailing an entrepreneur after a pitch meeting or for a colleague wishing another well on a new project launch.

Actionable Tips for Use

To use this closing effectively, consider the following advice:

• Be Specific: For greater impact, pair the phrase with a direct reference to the recipient's undertaking. For instance, "Wishing you success on the final project proposal."
• Align with Context: This sign-off is best suited for achievement-oriented industries like tech, finance, academia, and sales, where goals are explicit and celebrated.
• Use in Supportive Roles: It is highly effective when you are in a position to guide, coach, or support the recipient, as it reinforces your role as an ally in their professional journey.

5. Warmly

"Warmly" is a simple yet powerful single-word closing that conveys emotional warmth and a personal connection. As an alternative to "best wishes," it stands out for its minimalist approach, balancing brevity with genuine sentiment. This sign-off has gained popularity in contemporary professional communication, especially among senior executives and thought leaders who want to project authenticity and approachability in their correspondence.

The strength of "Warmly" lies in its conciseness and sincerity. It drops the formal "Regards" but retains the positive "Warm" feeling, making the closing feel more direct and personal. This makes it an excellent choice when you want to build rapport or maintain a friendly, established relationship without resorting to overly casual language. It signals confidence and a genuine positive feeling toward the recipient.

When to Use "Warmly"

This sign-off is best used in professional contexts where authenticity and a personal touch are valued over traditional formality.

• Established Relationships: It works perfectly when communicating with colleagues, clients, or partners with whom you already have a good working relationship.
• Leadership Communications: It is ideal for managers, executives, and team leads who want to appear approachable and foster a positive, connected team culture.
• Networking and Mentorship: Use it in emails to mentors, mentees, or professional contacts where a supportive and genuine tone is appropriate.
• Creative and Tech Industries: "Warmly" is common in startup, tech, and creative fields, where modern and less-stuffy communication styles are the norm.

Actionable Tips for Use

To use "Warmly" effectively, consider its context and your relationship with the recipient.

• Match the Message Tone: Ensure the body of your email is friendly, genuine, and personalized. The sign-off should feel like a natural conclusion to a positive message.
• Avoid with Initial Cold Outreach: For a first-time email to someone you don't know, a slightly more formal closing like "Warm Regards" or "Sincerely" might be safer.
• Use It to Soften a Direct Message: If your email contains direct feedback or a firm request, ending with "Warmly" can help soften the tone and reinforce the positive relationship.

6. Cheers

"Cheers" is a casual and upbeat sign-off that has moved beyond its British roots to become a globally understood alternative to "best wishes" in informal settings. It brings a sense of friendliness and positivity to your message, striking a balance between laid-back and professional. This closing is perfect for environments where a relaxed, modern tone is the norm, conveying good-natured optimism without any stuffiness.

This closing is effective because it feels approachable and genuine. It's the kind of sign-off that implies a collaborative and friendly relationship, making it a favorite in fast-paced, personality-driven industries like tech, media, and design. "Cheers" signals that you see the recipient as a peer and helps to foster a positive and easygoing rapport, making it a great choice for another phrase for best wishes in the right context.

When to Use "Cheers"

This sign-off is best suited for informal professional communications where a warm, friendly tone is encouraged.

• Internal Team Communications: It's ideal for day-to-day emails with colleagues you work with regularly. It helps maintain a positive and supportive team atmosphere.
• Creative Industries: In fields like advertising, design, or media, "Cheers" fits right in with the typically more relaxed and personality-forward communication style.
• Established Professional Relationships: Use it with clients or partners you have a strong, friendly rapport with. It reflects a comfortable and established connection.
• Quick, Informal Updates: It works well for short emails confirming a task is complete or sharing a quick piece of positive information.

Actionable Tips for Use

To use "Cheers" effectively, consider the context and your relationship with the recipient.

• Match the Company Culture: If your workplace is formal and traditional, a more conventional closing might be better. "Cheers" thrives in modern, casual company cultures.
• Reserve for Known Contacts: Avoid using it in your first email to a new client or a senior executive. It's better suited for people with whom you've already built some level of familiarity.
• Keep the Message Tone Consistent: The friendly, lighthearted feel of "Cheers" should align with the rest of your email. If your message is serious or formal, this closing will feel out of place.

7. With Appreciation

"With Appreciation" is a gratitude-focused closing that explicitly centers on thankfulness. It stands as a powerful alternative to "best wishes" by shifting the emotional tone from general well-wishing to specific acknowledgment. This phrase is perfect for situations where you want to formally recognize a person's time, effort, contribution, or support. It conveys deep respect and sincerity, making the recipient feel genuinely valued.

This closing is effective because it is direct and unambiguous; it leaves no doubt that you are grateful for something specific. While "best wishes" is a forward-looking sentiment, "With Appreciation" is reflective, acknowledging a past or present action. This makes it a meaningful choice in professional and personal communications where thanks are due. Developing the ability to choose the right words for the right context is a core part of communication, and there are many ways to improve your writing skills to make your messages more impactful.

When to Use "With Appreciation"

This phrase is most suitable in communications where gratitude is the primary message.

• Following Up After Help: Use it in an email after a colleague has helped you with a difficult project or a mentor has provided valuable advice.
• Thank You Notes: It is an ideal sign-off for thank you letters after a job interview, acknowledging the interviewer's time and consideration.
• Acknowledging Support: When a nonprofit sends a letter to a donor or a manager recognizes an employee's hard work, this closing reinforces the message of gratitude.

Actionable Tips for Use

To use this phrase effectively, follow these guidelines:

• Be Specific in Your Message: The power of "With Appreciation" is magnified when the body of your message clearly states what you are thankful for. For example, "Thank you for taking the extra time to walk me through the new software."
• Maintain a Sincere Tone: This closing should feel genuine. The rest of your communication should be polite, respectful, and heartfelt to match the sincerity of the sign-off.
• Use Across Hierarchies: "With Appreciation" is appropriate whether you are writing to a subordinate, a peer, or a superior. Its respectful nature works well in any professional power dynamic.

8. Looking Forward

"Looking Forward" is a powerful and optimistic closing that serves as another phrase for best wishes by focusing on future positive interactions. It skillfully shifts the tone from a simple closing to an expression of enthusiasm and anticipation for what comes next. This phrase is perfect for professional contexts where ongoing communication or collaboration is expected, as it frames the relationship as a continuing one.

This closing is effective because it conveys genuine interest and engagement. Instead of just ending the conversation, it signals your eagerness to continue the dialogue or move forward with a project. This proactive stance can be highly influential in sales, networking, and team settings, making the recipient feel valued and that their involvement is important. Fine-tuning your professional communication with such phrases can greatly improve your outcomes, a principle central to many top-tier business writing tips.

When to Use "Looking Forward"

This phrase is most suitable in situations where there is a clear and defined next step or an expectation of continued partnership.

• Sales and Business Development: Use it in follow-up emails to potential clients after a good meeting, such as "Looking forward to our discussion next week."
• Project Management: It's ideal for internal team communications to build momentum, like "Looking forward to seeing the final designs."
• Networking Follow-ups: After connecting with someone at an event, closing with "Looking forward to staying in touch" shows you want to build the relationship.
• Client Relationship Maintenance: In regular check-in emails, it reinforces the ongoing partnership, for example, "Looking forward to our continued work together."

Actionable Tips for Use

To use this closing effectively, consider the following points:

• Be Specific: For greater impact, combine it with a reference to a specific future event. Instead of a general "Looking forward," try "Looking forward to receiving the report on Friday."
• Ensure Genuineness: This phrase works best when there is a real reason for future contact. Using it without a clear next step can feel insincere or generic.
• Match the Tone: The optimistic and proactive tone of "Looking Forward" should be consistent with the rest of your message. Your email should be positive and collaborative.

8 Alternatives to Best Wishes

Choosing the Right Words for the Right Moment

Moving beyond the standard "best wishes" is more than just a writing exercise; it's an opportunity to connect with others on a more meaningful level. As we've explored, the closing of your message carries significant weight. It’s the final impression you leave, the lingering sentiment that stays with the reader long after they’ve clicked away from the email or set down the card. The true power lies not in having a massive vocabulary, but in understanding the subtle differences in tone and context that make one phrase fit perfectly while another falls flat.

The journey from a generic closing to a thoughtful one is about being intentional. It requires you to pause and consider your relationship with the recipient, the purpose of your communication, and the specific emotion you want to convey. Is your goal to express professional respect, casual friendliness, deep affection, or sincere sympathy? Each scenario calls for a different tool from your communication toolkit.

Key Takeaways for Impactful Communication

To truly put these lessons into practice, focus on these core principles:

• Context is King: The most important factor in choosing another phrase for best wishes is the situation. A casual "Cheers" is ideal for a colleague you work with daily but would be out of place in a formal letter of recommendation. Always match the closing to the occasion.
• Relationship Matters: Consider your familiarity with the person. Phrases like "Warmly" or "With love" are reserved for those you know well, while "Respectfully" or "Sincerely" are better suited for professional or formal interactions where a certain distance is expected.
• Authenticity Builds Connection: Your closing should sound like you. If a phrase feels forced or unnatural, it probably is. The goal is to find expressions that align with your personality and the genuine sentiment you wish to share. This authenticity is what turns a simple message into a memorable point of connection.

Putting It All into Action

The next time you sit down to write an email, a card, or a social media message, don't just default to your usual sign-off. Take a moment to review the options we've discussed. Ask yourself: what do I really want to say here?

Actionable Tip: Create a personal "cheat sheet." Jot down three to five of your favorite alternatives from this list, one for professional contexts, one for casual friends, and one for close family. Having these ready will make it easier to choose the perfect closing on the fly.

Mastering the art of expressing goodwill is a skill that extends beyond written text. It sharpens your emotional intelligence and makes you a more thoughtful communicator in all areas of life. To further hone this skill, studying real-world examples of heartfelt communication can be very helpful. For instance, reviewing tips for great wedding toasts can offer valuable lessons on how to structure a message that conveys genuine emotion and leaves a lasting positive impact.

Ultimately, the words you choose are a reflection of the care and thought you put into your relationships. By moving beyond "best wishes," you're not just varying your vocabulary; you're investing in clearer, more personal, and more effective communication. This small change can make a big difference in how your messages are received, helping you build stronger personal and professional bonds, one thoughtful closing at a time.

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