Have you ever caught yourself typing “I am honored” again and again—whether in thank-you notes, emails, LinkedIn posts, or speeches? While it’s a thoughtful phrase, using it too often can make your message feel bland or repetitive. And if you’re someone who truly values respect, gratitude, and humility, you deserve more expressive and meaningful ways to say it.
That’s exactly why this post exists.
In this guide, we’re diving into 25 powerful alternatives to “I am honored” that sound more natural, sincere, and personable. These phrases are perfect whether you’re accepting an award, showing appreciation in a message, or expressing heartfelt thanks to a mentor, colleague, or friend.
By the end of this list, you’ll have a pocketful of fresh expressions that add color and character to your communication—making your words not just heard, but remembered.
✨ Ready to elevate your language and leave a lasting impression? Scroll through the list and find the phrase that truly fits your voice.
25 Other Ways to Say “I Am Honored”
1. I’m truly grateful
This phrase adds emotional depth and warmth to your appreciation. It works well when thanking someone in a genuine and heartfelt way.
Examples:
- I’m truly grateful for your support throughout this journey.
- I’m truly grateful to be considered for this opportunity.
- I’m truly grateful for everything your team has done.
- I’m truly grateful to be part of such an inspiring community.
- I’m truly grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me.
Why it works:
It’s personal and humble, and emphasizes sincere gratitude without sounding stiff.
2. It means a lot to me
This phrase shows emotional honesty and humility. It works especially well in both formal and casual messages.
Examples:
- Being chosen for this role means a lot to me.
- Your kind words truly mean a lot to me.
- Having your support means a lot to me.
- It means a lot to me to receive this recognition.
- Your encouragement means a lot to me.
Why it works:
It sounds genuine, relatable, and shows that you truly value what’s been offered or said.
3. I’m touched
Short and emotional, this expression conveys heartfelt appreciation in a warm and modest way.
Examples:
- I’m touched by your kind words.
- I’m touched to be included in such a meaningful event.
- I’m truly touched to be recognized this way.
- I’m touched by the thoughtfulness of your gesture.
- I’m touched and honored to receive this gift.
Why it works:
It shows emotional impact and a genuine reaction—perfect for personal messages or thank-you speeches.
4. I feel privileged
This phrase expresses gratitude while emphasizing the value of the opportunity.
Examples:
- I feel privileged to work with such an amazing team.
- I feel privileged to be part of this journey.
- I feel privileged to learn from you.
- I feel privileged to share this experience with you all.
- I feel privileged to be included in such an inspiring group.
Why it works:
It adds a touch of humility and respect while acknowledging your fortune or role.
5. I’m deeply thankful
This is a strong yet respectful way to communicate heartfelt gratitude.
Examples:
- I’m deeply thankful for this opportunity.
- I’m deeply thankful for your ongoing support.
- I’m deeply thankful to be part of your journey.
- I’m deeply thankful for the recognition.
- I’m deeply thankful for the warm welcome.
Why it works:
It feels honest, respectful, and deeply appreciative without sounding overdone.
6. I’m humbled
This expression adds grace and humility to your message, making it perfect for professional recognition.
Examples:
- I’m humbled to receive this award.
- I’m humbled to be among such incredible talent.
- I’m humbled by your confidence in me.
- I’m humbled by this experience.
- I’m humbled to be given this responsibility.
Why it works:
It combines gratitude and humility, making it ideal for respectful acknowledgment.
7. I’m beyond thankful
This is a more emotional, dramatic way to show that ordinary words aren’t enough.
Examples:
- I’m beyond thankful for this life-changing chance.
- I’m beyond thankful for the love and support.
- I’m beyond thankful for your kindness.
- I’m beyond thankful for being seen and heard.
- I’m beyond thankful for this role.
Why it works:
It’s bold, emotionally expressive, and shows overwhelming appreciation.
8. It’s a true pleasure
This phrase is warm, polished, and professional, great for team settings or collaborations.
Examples:
- It’s a true pleasure to work with you.
- It’s a true pleasure to serve this cause.
- It’s a true pleasure being part of this community.
- It’s a true pleasure to support your mission.
- It’s a true pleasure joining this journey.
Why it works:
It combines courtesy and gratitude, while keeping your tone friendly and professional.
9. I’m filled with gratitude
This phrase has a poetic, emotional tone that shows your appreciation deeply and sincerely.
Examples:
- I’m filled with gratitude for this blessing.
- I’m filled with gratitude to be included.
- I’m filled with gratitude for your mentorship.
- I’m filled with gratitude for your kind words.
- I’m filled with gratitude to receive this gift.
Why it works:
It paints a vivid image of emotional appreciation that stands out in writing and speech.
10. I’m sincerely appreciative
A more polished and formal way to express genuine thanks, perfect for business or academic tone.
Examples:
- I’m sincerely appreciative of your support.
- I’m sincerely appreciative to be considered.
- I’m sincerely appreciative of your recognition.
- I’m sincerely appreciative of this opportunity.
- I’m sincerely appreciative of your encouragement.
Why it works:
It sounds professional, heartfelt, and appropriately respectful for serious or formal occasions.
11. I’m thankful for the opportunity
A straightforward and polite way to express appreciation, especially when receiving an invitation, role, or chance to contribute.
Examples:
- I’m thankful for the opportunity to speak here today.
- I’m thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with such talent.
- I’m thankful for the opportunity to grow and learn.
- I’m thankful for the opportunity to be part of this event.
- I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve our community.
Why it works:
It’s a clear, respectful, and professional way to show appreciation without overcomplicating your message.
12. I’m grateful to be included
This phrase emphasizes the appreciation of being part of something bigger—great for teamwork, events, or group acknowledgments.
Examples:
- I’m grateful to be included in such a remarkable team.
- I’m grateful to be included in this initiative.
- I’m grateful to be included in this important conversation.
- I’m grateful to be included among such inspiring individuals.
- I’m grateful to be included in this celebration.
Why it works:
It reflects humility, team spirit, and the value of belonging, which makes your message more personal and thoughtful.
13. It’s an absolute honor
This phrase is still similar to “I am honored,” but sounds fresher and slightly more expressive.
Examples:
- It’s an absolute honor to work with you.
- It’s an absolute honor to accept this award.
- It’s an absolute honor to stand here today.
- It’s an absolute honor to be selected for this role.
- It’s an absolute honor to join this mission.
Why it works:
The word “absolute” adds emphasis and sincerity, making the compliment more heartfelt without going overboard.
14. I feel incredibly lucky
A humble, relatable expression that fits well in casual or emotional contexts.
Examples:
- I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this journey.
- I feel incredibly lucky to have your support.
- I feel incredibly lucky to work with this team.
- I feel incredibly lucky to be in this position.
- I feel incredibly lucky for the chance to make a difference.
Why it works:
It shows gratitude through humility—making your words more approachable and less formal.
15. I’m proud to be part of this
This phrase blends appreciation with a sense of belonging and pride, making it ideal for team efforts or projects.
Examples:
- I’m proud to be part of this amazing team.
- I’m proud to be part of something so meaningful.
- I’m proud to be part of your success.
- I’m proud to be part of this journey.
- I’m proud to be part of this inspiring initiative.
Why it works:
It’s uplifting, collaborative, and conveys confidence in a respectful way.
16. I appreciate this more than words can say
A warm and poetic way to express deep gratitude, especially when you’re at a loss for words.
Examples:
- I appreciate this more than words can say—thank you for believing in me.
- I appreciate this more than words can say. Truly.
- I appreciate this more than words can say; your support means everything.
- I appreciate this more than words can say.
- I appreciate this more than words can say—thank you from the heart.
Why it works:
It’s emotionally rich and signals that your feelings go beyond what’s being spoken—ideal for personal notes or speeches.
17. This truly warms my heart
Use this when your appreciation is emotional, genuine, and heartfelt.
Examples:
- Your kindness truly warms my heart.
- This gesture truly warms my heart.
- Being included truly warms my heart.
- Your words truly warm my heart.
- This recognition truly warms my heart.
Why it works:
It adds a touch of emotion and realness, which helps connect with your audience on a human level.
18. I’m deeply moved
A great way to express emotional impact, especially when something touches you on a deeper level.
Examples:
- I’m deeply moved by your generosity.
- I’m deeply moved to be recognized in this way.
- I’m deeply moved by the support I’ve received.
- I’m deeply moved to be part of this community.
- I’m deeply moved by your words.
Why it works:
It’s emotive, powerful, and suggests that the gesture went far beyond expectation.
19. I’m thankful for the chance
A more casual and humble expression that fits many personal and professional situations.
Examples:
- I’m thankful for the chance to be here.
- I’m thankful for the chance to speak with you all.
- I’m thankful for the chance to give back.
- I’m thankful for the chance to contribute.
- I’m thankful for the chance to grow with this team.
Why it works:
It’s simple, genuine, and doesn’t feel scripted—great for informal settings or emails.
20. It’s a humbling experience
Best used when the moment or opportunity is truly meaningful and gives you a sense of reflection.
Examples:
- Receiving this award is a humbling experience.
- Being chosen is a humbling experience.
- Joining this effort is a humbling experience.
- Representing this cause is a humbling experience.
- This whole journey has been a humbling experience.
Why it works:
It pairs honor with humility, which resonates well in formal, academic, or leadership settings.
21. I feel so fortunate
A relatable way to show appreciation without sounding over-the-top.
Examples:
- I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity.
- I feel so fortunate to work with such bright minds.
- I feel so fortunate to be recognized today.
- I feel so fortunate to be in this position.
- I feel so fortunate to receive your support.
Why it works:
It conveys humility, gratefulness, and a down-to-earth tone that feels real and honest.
22. I’m full of appreciation
This phrase gives your gratitude a sense of completeness and fullness, making it feel genuine and strong.
Examples:
- I’m full of appreciation for your mentorship.
- I’m full of appreciation for everything you’ve done.
- I’m full of appreciation to be chosen.
- I’m full of appreciation for this moment.
- I’m full of appreciation for this kind gesture.
Why it works:
It uses a fresh structure to convey familiar emotions in a more original way.
23. This means the world to me
Ideal for personal or emotional settings, this expression shows how deeply important the moment is to you.
Examples:
- This award means the world to me.
- Your support means the world to me.
- This opportunity truly means the world to me.
- Your kind gesture means the world to me.
- Being here means the world to me.
Why it works:
It’s emotionally powerful and widely understood—it conveys significance and deep thanks.
24. I’m honored beyond words
This dramatic and poetic version adds intensity and emotional impact.
Examples:
- I’m honored beyond words to be here.
- I’m honored beyond words for this award.
- I’m honored beyond words to join your team.
- I’m honored beyond words to speak today.
- I’m honored beyond words by your trust.
Why it works:
It adds emphasis and gravity, making it suitable for high-impact moments or formal speeches.
25. I’m sincerely honored
Still close to the original, but adding “sincerely” creates a stronger emotional tone and removes any hint of formality or automation.
Examples:
- I’m sincerely honored to be part of this story.
- I’m sincerely honored to accept this invitation.
- I’m sincerely honored by your kind words.
- I’m sincerely honored to stand beside you.
- I’m sincerely honored to receive this gift.
Why it works:
It keeps things traditional, but also genuine and warm, striking a balance between formal and heartfelt.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, language is more than just words—it’s how we connect, express emotion, and leave a lasting impression. Saying “I am honored” might feel safe, but it often lacks the genuine warmth and originality your message deserves.
With these 25 heartfelt alternatives, you now have a stronger, more expressive vocabulary to show gratitude, humility, and respect—in a way that’s true to your personality. Whether you’re thanking a colleague, accepting a recognition, or simply expressing appreciation, the right phrase can make all the difference.
So go ahead—let your words reflect the moment. Be thoughtful. Be intentional. And most importantly, be yourself.
I’m Leo Knox, the wordplay wizard behind WordsTwists.com where I turn everyday meanings into funny, clever, and creative twists. If you’re tired of saying things the boring way, I’ve got a better (and funnier) one for you!
