hello

noun

hə-ˈlō How to pronounce hello (audio)
Definition of hellonext
as in salute
an expression of goodwill upon meeting we said our hellos and got right down to business

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 hello Yuzu and mandarin give it a charming hello, while ginger and pink pepper cut through its powdery elements and prevent polarization. — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 25 June 2026 Princess Kate said something sweet about her spouse while speaking to singer Ronan Keating and his wife Storm, who asked about William and sent their hellos. — Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 Among the things rushing to the front of his mind could have been the introductory hellos and final goodbyes, the moments of hope followed only by pain-staking losses, the closing chapters of another regime gone by. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 26 May 2026 Tim Cook, who will pass Apple’s CEO baton to John Ternus September 1, brought the executive along to the company’s earnings call today to say a quick hello. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hello
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hello
  1. salute
  2. salutation
  3. greeting
  4. welcome
Noun
  • In the photo, WWE stars, several wrestling legends and production crew were seen gathered onstage for the traditional 10-bell salute in memory of Hulk.
    — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • And managing to get the audience to deliver a Nazi salute doesn’t seem like much of a stretch these days.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of salute
Noun
  • One morning we were led on a silent hike with another couple and a leader that involved sun salutations to the actual rising sun.
    — Kate Berlant, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Since then, numerous instructors have found ways to use a chair for adapted versions of a surprising number of traditional yoga movements, like lunging warrior poses and standing-to-lying sun salutations.
    — Jennifer Heimlich, Time, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of salutation
Noun
  • In this week's installment of Far-Flung Postcards, NPR's Jane Arraf sends greetings from the former home of English mystery novelist Agatha Christie, located on the banks of the Tigris River in Baghdad.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026
  • At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth felt her baby leap in her womb, which signified that John had become sanctified and cleansed of original sin, as if by baptism, according to Catholic doctrine.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of greeting
Noun
  • Good morning and welcome to The Downshift, our sweep of top headlines from the auto industry and car culture every day, curated by The Drive’s editorial team.
    — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The Bottom Line Although centipedes and millipedes may not be the most welcome of visitors inside your home, both play important roles in the environment.
    — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of welcome

Browse Nearby Words

hellishness
hello
hellos
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hello.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hello. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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