Thanks

Words or acts that express gratitude.

Reach for it when naming an acknowledgment offered for help, kindness, or a benefit

The residents sent their thanks to the crews who restored the bridge.

• playful

  cheers

  when an informal British-style thank-you fits

  not when Cheers may be misread as a toast or greeting and is unsuitable in formal prose.

• warm

  gratitude

  when the inner feeling matters more than its expression

  not when Gratitude may remain unspoken, while thanks names what is offered.

• warm

  praise

  when admiration for the quality of work is central

  not when Praise judges performance and is not always owed by a beneficiary.

• professional

  acknowledgment

  when formal recognition of a contribution is required

  not when Acknowledgment can be factual and does not necessarily convey warmth.

• professional

  appreciation

  when recognizing effort or value should sound measured

  not when Appreciation can be general esteem and need not respond to a particular kindness.

• professional

  recognition

  when attention or credit should be made public

  not when Recognition may reward achievement rather than express gratitude for help.

• formal

  tribute

  when sustained or ceremonial honor is appropriate

  not when Tribute is too grand for routine assistance.

• literary

  much obliged

  when deliberately old-fashioned courtesy suits the speaker

  not when The phrase sounds dated and can imply obligation rather than free gratitude.

• ingratitude
• complaint
• blame

• give thanks

  The club will give thanks to every host family at the closing dinner.

• many thanks

  Many thanks for sending the corrected route before the buses departed.

• thanks to

  Thanks to careful preparation, the outage caused no loss of samples.