greeting
4 synonyms and 2 antonyms for greeting, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A word or phrase used to acknowledge someone's arrival, or to open a letter, message, or conversation.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use greeting
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Simply "greet" plus the ending "-ing," turning the verb into a noun.
Full origin of greeting →Frequently asked questions
What does “greeting” mean?
The word “greeting” means a word or phrase used to acknowledge someone's arrival, or to open a letter, message, or conversation. In plain terms, a hello, or the words you use to say hello.
How do you pronounce “greeting”?
“Greeting” is pronounced GREE-tihng (/ˈɡɹiːtɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “greeting” in a sentence?
Here is “greeting” used in a sentence: “She gave a warm greeting to everyone who walked through the door.”
What is another word for “greeting”?
Words with a similar meaning to “greeting” include accost, address, hail and salutation.
What is the opposite of “greeting”?
The opposite of “greeting” — its antonyms — are valediction and farewell.
What part of speech is “greeting”?
“Greeting” is a noun.
Is “greeting” a common word?
“Greeting” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “greeting” have?
“Greeting” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a word or phrase used to acknowledge someone's arrival, or to open a letter, message, or conversation.
What is the difference between a "greeting" and a "salutation"?
A "greeting" is a broad term for any word or phrase used to acknowledge someone's arrival or open a conversation, letter, or message. "Salutation" is a more formal term, often used specifically for the opening line of a letter or email, such as "Dear Sir or Madam."
What is the difference between a greeting and a greeting card message?
A greeting is the spoken or written act of acknowledging someone, such as saying "hello" or "good morning," while a greeting card message is the specific written text inside a card, often longer and more personalized. Both serve the same underlying purpose of extending good wishes or acknowledgment.
Can "greeting" refer to an action rather than words?
Yes, "greeting" can also refer to the act of greeting someone, such as a handshake, wave, or hug, not just the words spoken. This sense covers the overall action of acknowledging someone's presence.