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
-
The event also raised funds for the Center for Food Equity in Medicine, a nonprofit addressing food insecurity among individuals with cancer and other life-altering illnesses.—
Francine Knowles,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
By addressing messes quickly and effectively, these types of products can help prevent stains, odors, and wear that often lead to deeper cleaning, repairs, or replacements.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The federation also cited a photo appearing to show a member of the campus chapter throwing a Heil Hitler salute.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
The visit had already been expected to include a White House reception, a ceremonial military welcome, King Charles’ address to Congress and a formal state dinner.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
-
LaGrange, Georgia Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake.—
Carolanne Griffith Roberts,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Greeting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greeting. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
