“Dear” is a polite email greeting. But don’t you think it’s too common? Maybe you’ve used it too many times and are looking for an alternative.
This article has gathered the best synonyms for “dear” in a formal email (or formal letter). We’ll show you how to start an email with different words and phrases.
Other Words for “Dear” in an Email
- Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening
- Hey
- To
- I hope this email finds you well
- Greetings
- To Whom It May Concern
- Hello
- Hi
- FAO
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Dear” is a very common and professional way to start a formal email.
- You can say “good morning/afternoon/evening” in most formal emails to mix things professionally.
- “Hey” is a great informal synonym to convey a more friendly tone.
Keep reading to learn more about the best synonyms for “dear.” We’ve touched on the most useful ones to show you how they work.
Alternatively, you can skip ahead to the final section. Before using it yourself, you can learn whether “dear” is professional in an email.
Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening (Formal)
“Good morning/afternoon/evening” is one of the best formal alternatives to “dear.” The biggest difference is that it’s versatile. It depends entirely on the time of day when you send the email, which determines the time you write.
For instance, you can send “good morning” when emailing your boss in the morning.
Or maybe “good afternoon” works when you want to email an employee after lunch to let them know you won’t be in the office.
You could also say “good evening” to tell a client you appreciate their email during evening hours (just before your shift ends).
Also, you don’t need to include a name when using “good morning/afternoon/evening.” “Dear” requires someone’s name to sound professional, but “good morning/afternoon/evening” works well alone.
We recommend using “good morning/afternoon/evening” and “dear” in similar contexts. Both are professional, so they are both effective when you want to address someone politely.
Here are some email samples to show you how it works:
Good Morning,
I hope this email finds you well. Have you got an idea of when the events start?
All the best,
Dean
Good Afternoon,
I will not be in the office until six tonight. Can you wait until then before I respond?
Yours,
Jasmin
Good Evening,
I appreciate your message. Is there anything else we can do for you while we fix this?
Kind regards,
Sean
Hey (Informal)
“Hey” is a great informal alternative to “dear.” You can use it at the start of an email or message when you want to convey a more conversational tone. It puts less pressure on the recipient to be formal.
Generally, you should use a greeting like “hey” when emailing a colleague. It shows you have a close relationship with them, and neither of you minds if there’s a bit of informality between your exchanges.
We don’t recommend saying “hey” formally, though. It does not work well in formal emails as it does not come with a professional tone. Stick with “dear” when you want to be more respectful of the recipient.
Also, here are some email examples to show you how it works:
Hey Adam,
Thanks for reaching out! I’ll have to ask around to find the answer to that question, though.
All the best,
Sam
Hey,
I’ll let you know when I have something more to share. Of course, for now, I’d appreciate some patience.
Best wishes,
Charlotte
Is It Professional to Say “Dear” in an Email?
“Dear” is professional and correct in an email. It’s the most common way to address someone at the start of an email. Also, most people expect emails to start with “dear,” so there’s no reason to worry too much about changing it.
English business letters and emails alike use “dear” to address someone. For instance:
- Dear Sir or Madam
- Dear Tom
Whether you know someone’s name or not, “dear” is always reliable. If you can’t think of any other alternatives, then “dear” will more than likely do the job for you.
You should bookmark this page to remind yourself of another word for “dear.” There are some great options, so you can always try to mix things up when writing your emails.