“Best regards” is one of the most common email closings in English. Many learners and professionals use it every day.
It is safe, polite, and widely accepted. However, using the same phrase again and again can feel boring or too generic. Sometimes, it may sound too formal or not warm enough. That is why learning other ways to say “best regards” is important.
Your closing words leave a final impression. They show your tone, attitude, and level of respect. Choosing the right alternative can make your email sound more friendly, more professional, or more natural. In this guide, you will learn synonyms for “best regards”, when to use them, and how they change the tone of your message. This article is perfect for English learners, office workers, and anyone who writes emails in English.
What Does “Best Regards” Mean?
“Best regards” is a polite closing phrase used at the end of emails or letters. It sends good wishes to the reader in a respectful way.
Grammar Explanation
- “Regards” means good wishes or greetings.
- “Best” makes it stronger and more positive.
- It is usually followed by a comma.
- Your name comes on the next line.
Example:
Best regards,
Anna
When to Use “Best Regards”
You can use “best regards” in many situations.
Formal Contexts
- Business emails
- Job applications
- Emails to clients or managers
Semi-Formal Contexts
- Emails to coworkers
- Professional networking messages
Written Communication
- Emails
- Formal letters
⚠️ It is not used in spoken English. It is only for writing.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “Best Regards”?
Yes, “best regards” is professional and polite. It is a safe choice in most corporate and academic settings. It shows respect without sounding too cold.
However, it may feel:
- Too formal for close coworkers
- Too neutral for friendly messages
- Too distant for personal emails
That is why many people look for alternatives to “best regards” to better match their tone.
Pros and Cons of Using “Best Regards”
Pros
- ✔ Polite and respectful
- ✔ Widely accepted in business
- ✔ Neutral and safe
- ✔ Easy to use
Cons
- ✖ Overused
- ✖ Can sound impersonal
- ✖ Not very warm
- ✖ Not ideal for casual emails
20+ Other Ways to Say “Best Regards” (With Examples)
Below are formal and informal ways to say “best regards”, explained in a simple way.
1. Kind regards
Meaning: Friendly and polite wishes
Explanation: Softer and warmer than “best regards”
Example Sentence:
Kind regards,
James
Best Use: Business, professional emails
Worst Use: Very casual messages
Tone: Friendly, professional
2. Warm regards
Meaning: Kind and warm wishes
Explanation: Adds a personal and caring touch
Example Sentence:
Warm regards,
Sofia
Best Use: Professional but friendly emails
Worst Use: Legal or strict business emails
Tone: Warm, polite
3. Regards
Meaning: Simple polite closing
Explanation: Short and neutral
Example Sentence:
Regards,
Daniel
Best Use: Work emails, quick replies
Worst Use: Very friendly or emotional emails
Tone: Neutral, formal
4. Sincere regards
Meaning: Honest and respectful wishes
Explanation: Sounds serious and professional
Example Sentence:
Sincere regards,Maria
Best Use: Formal letters, serious topics
Worst Use: Casual emails
Tone: Formal
5. With best regards
Meaning: Polite good wishes
Explanation: Slightly more formal than “best regards”
Example Sentence:
With best regards,
Ahmed
Best Use: Formal business emails
Worst Use: Informal chats
Tone: Formal
6. Yours sincerely
Meaning: Formal and respectful ending
Explanation: Common in British English
Example Sentence:
Yours sincerely,
Olivia
Best Use: Job applications, formal letters
Worst Use: Casual emails
Tone: Very formal
7. Yours truly
Meaning: Polite and traditional closing
Explanation: Slightly old-fashioned but correct
Example Sentence:
Yours truly,
Mark
Best Use: Formal writing
Worst Use: Friendly emails
Tone: Formal
8. Respectfully
Meaning: Shows deep respect
Explanation: Often used in serious or official emails
Example Sentence:
Respectfully,
Thomas
Best Use: Emails to senior officials
Worst Use: Casual messages
Tone: Very formal
9. Best
Meaning: Short form of “best regards”
Explanation: Friendly and modern
Example Sentence:
Best,
Emily
Best Use: Work emails, colleagues
Worst Use: Very formal letters
Tone: Neutral, friendly
10. All the best
Meaning: Good wishes
Explanation: Sounds friendly and positive
Example Sentence:
All the best,
Ryan
Best Use: Semi-formal emails
Worst Use: Legal or serious emails
Tone: Friendly
11. Thanks
Meaning: Shows appreciation
Explanation: Useful when asking for help
Example Sentence:
Thanks,
Lily
Best Use: Requests and follow-ups
Worst Use: Formal letters
Tone: Friendly
12. Thank you
Meaning: Polite appreciation
Explanation: More formal than “thanks”
Example Sentence:
Thank you,
Michael
Best Use: Professional emails
Worst Use: Emotional messages
Tone: Polite
13. Many thanks
Meaning: Strong thanks
Explanation: Common in British English
Example Sentence:
Many thanks,
Sarah
Best Use: Work emails
Worst Use: Formal letters
Tone: Friendly, polite
14. Much appreciated
Meaning: Shows gratitude
Explanation: Casual and friendly
Example Sentence:
Much appreciated,
Alex
Best Use: Informal work emails
Worst Use: Formal writing
Tone: Casual
15. Cheers
Meaning: Friendly goodbye or thanks
Explanation: Very common in UK and Australia
Example Sentence:
Cheers,
Ben
Best Use: Casual emails
Worst Use: Formal business emails
Tone: Casual
16. Take care
Meaning: Shows care and concern
Explanation: Warm and personal
Example Sentence:
Take care,
Nina
Best Use: Friendly emails
Worst Use: Formal emails
Tone: Warm
17. Have a great day
Meaning: Friendly good wish
Explanation: Positive and casual
Example Sentence:
Have a great day,
Chris
Best Use: Informal emails
Worst Use: Serious business emails
Tone: Friendly
18. Looking forward to hearing from you
Meaning: Shows interest in a reply
Explanation: Good for follow-up emails
Example Sentence:
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Laura
Best Use: Professional follow-ups
Worst Use: Final emails with no reply needed
Tone: Polite
19. With appreciation
Meaning: Respectful thanks
Explanation: Sounds thoughtful and formal
Example Sentence:
With appreciation,
David
Best Use: Professional emails
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Formal, warm
20. Cordially
Meaning: Polite and respectful
Explanation: Traditional and formal
Example Sentence:
Cordially,
Helen
Best Use: Formal correspondence
Worst Use: Informal emails
Tone: Formal
21. Best wishes
Meaning: Kind and positive wishes
Explanation: Friendly but professional
Example Sentence:
Best wishes,
Peter
Best Use: Semi-formal emails
Worst Use: Very formal letters
Tone: Friendly
22. Stay well
Meaning: Caring and warm wish
Explanation: Popular after 2020
Example Sentence:
Stay well,
Emma
Best Use: Friendly emails
Worst Use: Formal business emails
Tone: Warm
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives to “Best Regards”
| Phrase | Tone | Formality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best regards | Neutral | Medium | Business emails |
| Kind regards | Friendly | Medium | Professional emails |
| Best | Friendly | Low | Coworkers |
| Yours sincerely | Very formal | High | Job applications |
| Cheers | Casual | Low | Informal emails |
| Warm regards | Warm | Medium | Friendly business |
FAQs About “Best Regards”
1. Is “best regards” formal or informal?
It is semi-formal and works well in professional emails.
2. Can I use “best regards” in a job application?
Yes, but “yours sincerely” may sound more formal.
3. Is “best” rude?
No. It is friendly and common in modern work emails.
4. What is the most polite alternative to “best regards”?
“Yours sincerely” or “respectfully” are very polite.
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say “best regards” helps you sound more natural and confident in English.
The right closing can change the tone of your email and improve communication. Some phrases sound formal, while others feel warm or friendly. There is no single perfect choice.
Try different alternatives to “best regards” and see what fits your message best. With practice, your emails will sound clearer, more polite, and more professional.
David Jonson is an experienced English language writer who specializes in clear, practical, and learner-friendly content. He helps students and professionals improve their communication skills with confidence.