At the start of a letter or email, a salutation is the greeting, such as “Dear Alex.” The corresponding element at the end is most precisely called a “valediction” or “complimentary close,” although “sign-off,” “closing,” and “closing phrase” are more common in everyday use.
The Most Accurate Terms
- Valediction
- Complimentary close
- Sign-off
- Closing
- Closing phrase
Valediction
The formal linguistic term for a word or phrase used to end a letter or message, such as “Yours sincerely” or “Best wishes.”
Example: “Kind regards” is the valediction in this email.
Complimentary close
A traditional business-letter term for the polite closing phrase that appears before the sender’s name or signature.
Example: Use a complimentary close such as “Yours faithfully” before your signature.
Sign-off
The most natural everyday term for the closing words of an email, message, broadcast, or letter.
Example: Her usual email sign-off is “Best regards.”
Closing
A broad, plain-English term for the final part of correspondence, which may include the closing phrase and signature.
Example: Keep the closing professional and consistent with the rest of the letter.
Closing phrase
A descriptive term for the specific words used to finish the message when technical terminology is unnecessary.
Example: Choose a closing phrase that matches the tone of the email.
Valediction Is the Precise Technical Answer
If you are asking for the direct counterpart to a salutation, “valediction” is the most precise term. In ordinary workplace conversation, however, “sign-off” or “closing” is much more likely to be understood immediately.