1
as in salutation
an expression of goodwill upon meeting
the volunteer directed the conference participants towards the coffee after offering them a cheerful greeting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in congratulations
greetings plural
best wishes
when you see him, give him my sincerest greetings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in addressing
to acknowledge (someone) by means of spoken words
The host cheerfully greeted the party guests at the door.
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of greeting
Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 17 Apr. 2026
The gesture appears warm and intentional, like a greeting meant just for him.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026
At another neighborhood school, its communications coordinator, Paola, used to start her workday at the front desk, greeting students.
—Wendi C. Thomas, ProPublica, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for greeting
Noun
Custom greeting bags can also add a welcoming touch if guests are staying in a single centralized location.
—Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 17 Apr. 2026
The gesture appears warm and intentional, like a greeting meant just for him.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
The antique furnishings worn just right; centuries-old stone walls and views of rolling hills greeting you each morning.
—Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026
At another neighborhood school, its communications coordinator, Paola, used to start her workday at the front desk, greeting students.
—Wendi C. Thomas, ProPublica, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for greeting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for greeting
Noun
-
Others carve out time to mail birthday cards and salutations written in their own hand.—
Michael Liedtke,
Fortune,
28 Dec. 2025
-
But now that the salutations for the honor bestowed upon Spoelstra to take over for Steve Kerr as U.S. coach are finished, the next order of business for him, for Hill, and for Sean Ford, who oversees day-to-day operations for the men’s national team, is to stop the bleeding at the World Cup.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
And nothing in your reply seems to recognize that this is a common, patronizingly ageist way of addressing people.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Europe turned its attention to the Palestinians on Monday as the election defeat of Israel ally Victor Orban in Hungary gives new momentum to efforts addressing Gaza and the occupied West Bank.—
Sam McNeil,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Anyone who has jumped out of a plane with a parachute deserves respect, but to do it 36 times, that’s worthy of a salute.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Even scenes of relaxed social or domestic activity, including one of a wedding where guests join in a collective rifle salute, are a reminder that few facets of American life are free from political influence and implication.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Good morning and welcome to Fox News' morning newsletter, Fox News First.—
,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Leo arrived to a raucous welcome in Bamenda, where blasting music from loudspeakers gave the event a concert-like vibe.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Greeting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greeting. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
