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
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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
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Recent Examples of greeting
Nicole Winfield, Fortune, 15 May 2026
Trump’s meetings with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, began at the Great Hall of the People moments after a welcome ceremony that seemed to impress the president, featuring a Chinese military honor guard and a greeting from excited schoolchildren.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Miguel MacIas, NPR, 13 May 2026
Aikman walks around the compound to get used to being outdoors and learning socialization by greeting people.
—Nelly Carreño, CBS News, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for greeting
Noun
Leo met some of the Gaza students during a brief greeting at the campus chapel, and again after his speech in the main lecture hall of the university, which was founded by Pope Boniface VIII in 1303.
—Nicole Winfield, Fortune, 15 May 2026
Trump’s meetings with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, began at the Great Hall of the People moments after a welcome ceremony that seemed to impress the president, featuring a Chinese military honor guard and a greeting from excited schoolchildren.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Verb
And where customers know Meli — pictured here — and her colleagues Juan and Miguel, all greeting you from behind the bar by your name.
—Miguel MacIas, NPR, 13 May 2026
Aikman walks around the compound to get used to being outdoors and learning socialization by greeting people.
—Nelly Carreño, CBS News, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for greeting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for greeting
Noun
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Messi trudged off the field quickly and headed straight to the locker room, in no mood for post-game salutations.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
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Others carve out time to mail birthday cards and salutations written in their own hand.—
Michael Liedtke,
Fortune,
28 Dec. 2025
Verb
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In 2005, addressing these health disparities became our sole focus and the Center for African American Health has been growing ever since.—
Deidre Johnson,
Denver Post,
25 May 2026
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Lena's relationships with Chris and Kristina will be a focus, with Sonnier addressing the ways their presence impacts Lena.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 May 2026
Noun
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Service members held a crisp white-gloved salute for Chicago firefighter Steven Decker, a 30-year veteran who died during a training exercise on the city’s Far North Side last week.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2026
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Instead, the episode, full of in-jokes, served as a salute to his staff, who made up the whole audience that night.—
Joy Press,
Vanity Fair,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
Upon arrival, you’re treated to a cup of jamaica tea and a traditional Mayan welcome ceremony with palo de tinte, immediately setting the tone for your stay, while highlighting Habitas’ mission of rooting themselves into the local community.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 May 2026
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The hero's welcome is a Navy tradition that also has a practical value.—
Steve Walsh,
NPR,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Greeting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greeting. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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