“Thrilled” is enthusiastic and perfectly acceptable in many professional messages, but it can feel too exuberant in formal contexts. Alternatives range from restrained phrases such as “pleased” to warmer options such as “delighted” and “excited.”
Choose the Level of Enthusiasm
- Delighted
- Very pleased
- Pleased
- Excited
- Enthusiastic
- Eager
- Glad
- Honored
- Grateful
- Encouraged
- Gratified
- Looking forward to
- Pleased to announce
- Excited about the opportunity
- Enthusiastic about the prospect
Delighted
Warm and polished, suitable for good news, invitations, appointments, and announcements.
Example: We are delighted to confirm your appointment.
Very pleased
Professional and measured while still expressing clear positive feeling.
Example: I’m very pleased to accept the offer.
Pleased
A restrained all-purpose alternative for formal emails and announcements.
Example: We are pleased to announce the launch of the new service.
Excited
Energetic and common in modern professional communication, especially around opportunities and launches.
Example: I’m excited to join the team next month.
Enthusiastic
Best when describing positive motivation or support rather than a momentary emotional reaction.
Example: The panel was enthusiastic about the proposed partnership.
Eager
Emphasizes readiness and strong interest in doing something next.
Example: I’m eager to begin work on the project.
Glad
Natural and friendly, though less formal than “pleased.”
Example: I’m glad we were able to resolve the issue quickly.
Honored
Appropriate when the positive feeling comes from recognition, invitation, selection, or trust.
Example: I’m honored to have been selected for the award.
Grateful
Best when the emotion is appreciation rather than excitement.
Example: I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute.
Encouraged
Useful when good news or progress gives you confidence about what comes next.
Example: We are encouraged by the early results.
Gratified
A formal term for satisfaction that something has succeeded or been recognized.
Example: We are gratified by the strong response from participants.
Looking forward to
A professional way to express positive anticipation without naming an emotion directly.
Example: I’m looking forward to working with the new team.
Pleased to announce
A standard professional formula for introducing positive organizational news.
Example: We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new director.
Excited about the opportunity
Warm but still professional when discussing a new role, project, partnership, or next step.
Example: I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to the program.
Enthusiastic about the prospect
More formal wording for strong positive interest in a possible future development.
Example: We are enthusiastic about the prospect of working together.