We’ve all been there—needing to shift a meeting because life, work, or unexpected events happen. But when you need to reschedule, it’s not just about changing the time. It’s about doing it in a way that feels respectful, professional, and even empathetic. Finding the right words can help you express warmth and consideration, ensuring your message is received positively.
In this article, we’ll walk you through 20 other ways to say ‘reschedule a meeting’ and how you can use them to make your communication feel more thoughtful, friendly, and effective.
What Does “Reschedule a Meeting” Mean?
Before diving into alternatives, let’s quickly define what it means to reschedule a meeting. In essence, rescheduling means changing the time, date, or location of a pre-planned meeting to a new, agreed-upon slot. This can happen due to unforeseen circumstances, conflicts, or even just a need for better timing. It’s a polite way of acknowledging that things didn’t go as planned, but you still want to make sure the meeting happens.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Reschedule a Meeting?”
You might be wondering if it’s okay to simply say “reschedule” in a professional setting. Well, yes, it’s totally acceptable. However, the way you phrase it can make a big difference. Choosing the right words can show that you’re considerate of others’ time and schedule. So, while “reschedule” is fine, exploring alternative phrases will make your message sound more polite, thoughtful, and polished.
Pros and Cons of Saying “Reschedule a Meeting”
Pros:
- Simple and clear
- Professional and widely understood
- Works well in direct business communication
Cons:
- Can sound a bit robotic or impersonal
- May not express flexibility or appreciation
- Doesn’t always show warmth or understanding
Synonyms for “Reschedule a Meeting”
- Let’s Find a New Time
- Can We Shift Our Meeting?
- How About a Different Slot?
- Would You Be Open to Changing the Meeting Time?
- Can We Reschedule for Another Day?
- Let’s Adjust the Timing
- Could We Reorganize Our Meeting Time?
- Can We Rebook Our Meeting?
- Would Another Time Work Better for You?
- Let’s Look for a New Time Together
- Can We Push Our Meeting to a Later Time?
- Can We Postpone Our Meeting?
- Shall We Push the Meeting Forward?
- Can We Delay the Meeting?
- Let’s Move Our Meeting to a More Convenient Time
- Would Another Date Work for You?
- Let’s Revisit This Meeting at a Later Time
- Can We Hold Off on the Meeting?
- Would You Mind Pushing Back the Meeting?
- Can We Revisit the Meeting Plan?
1. Let’s Find a New Time
This is a warm and positive way to show you’re eager to meet, just not at the originally planned time.
Scenario Example:
Subject: New Time for Our Meeting
Dear [Name],
I hope you’re doing well! It looks like we need to find a new time for our upcoming meeting. Would it be possible for us to reschedule to [suggest a new time]? Let me know if that works for you!
Looking forward to connecting soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Use: This phrase works well when you want to sound accommodating and collaborative.
Additional Note: It shows you’re taking initiative to find a time that works for both parties without sounding too formal.
2. Can We Shift Our Meeting?
This is a more casual and flexible option for rescheduling a meeting.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Shift of Meeting Time
Hi [Name],
Would it be possible to shift our meeting to another time? Something unexpected came up, and I want to ensure we can meet without any rush. How does [new time] sound to you?
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Use this if you want to sound approachable while still being clear about the need for a time change.
Additional Note: It’s a friendly alternative when you’re in a more laid-back or informal context.
3. How About a Different Slot?
This phrasing gently suggests an alternative without making it sound like a hassle.
Scenario Example:
Subject: New Slot for Our Meeting?
Hello [Name],
I wanted to check if we could move our meeting to a different time slot. Would [suggest a new time] work better for you? Let me know!
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Great for a polite, yet simple and quick rescheduling.
Additional Note: It keeps the conversation light and open, avoiding any tension.
4. Would You Be Open to Changing the Meeting Time?
This one puts the choice in the other person’s hands, which shows respect for their schedule.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Potential Change to Meeting Timing
Hi [Name],
I hope you’re well! I wanted to check with you to see if you would be open to changing the time of our meeting to [new time]? Please let me know what works best for you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Perfect when you want to be polite and considerate of someone else’s preferences.
Additional Note: It’s an empathetic approach, as it gives the recipient a sense of control.
5. Can We Reschedule for Another Day?
This phrasing is simple, clear, and direct, but still polite.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Rescheduling Our Meeting
Hi [Name],
It seems like something urgent has come up, and I need to reschedule our meeting. Would [suggest a new date] work for you instead?
Thanks for understanding,
[Your Name]
Best Use: This works well when you know that the meeting needs to be moved to a completely different day.
Additional Note: It’s a straightforward way of saying “reschedule,” but with a friendly tone.
6. Let’s Adjust the Timing
This option shows flexibility and is great when you’re not sure what time works best for everyone.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Adjusting the Timing of Our Meeting
Dear [Name],
Something’s come up on my end, and I was hoping we could adjust the timing of our meeting. Would [suggest a new time] be convenient for you?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Perfect when you want to sound considerate and flexible without being overly formal.
Additional Note: It keeps things positive, suggesting that the meeting will still happen—just at a more suitable time.
7. Could We Reorganize Our Meeting Time?
This phrase offers a bit of formality, but still keeps it light.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Reorganizing Our Meeting Time
Hello [Name],
I’m hoping we could reorganize our upcoming meeting to a different time. Would [new time] be possible for you? I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Use this for a professional or semi-formal setting when you want to show respect and consideration.
Additional Note: This phrase balances professionalism with a hint of flexibility.
8. Can We Rebook Our Meeting?
This one is a bit more casual but still professional enough for most contexts.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Rebooking Our Meeting
Hi [Name],
Due to a conflict, I was hoping we could rebook our meeting to a more convenient time. How does [suggest a new time] work for you?
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Great for a friendly yet professional rescheduling request.
Additional Note: It’s a less common way of phrasing it, but it’s still polite and clear.
9. Would Another Time Work Better for You?
This puts the focus on the other person, showing you’re flexible and open to their schedule.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Finding a Better Time for Our Meeting
Hi [Name],
I wanted to check if another time would work better for you to meet. How about [new time]? Let me know what you think!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Perfect when you’re not sure if the new time will work for them, but you want to offer flexibility.
Additional Note: It’s a nice way to ensure that the person feels their schedule is taken into consideration.
10. Let’s Look for a New Time Together
This is another collaborative way of saying you need to change the time, inviting the person to help you find a better time.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Looking for a New Time
Dear [Name],
I hope all is well! Would you be available to look for a new time for our meeting? Something came up on my end, and I want to find a time that works for both of us.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Ideal when you want to show that you value their input and are willing to work together to find a solution.
Additional Note: This approach works well for teams or colleagues, as it fosters a sense of partnership.
11. Can We Push Our Meeting to a Later Time?
This phrase is a simple, clear way to ask for a delay without any confusion.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Pushing Our Meeting to a Later Time
Hi [Name],
I’m hoping we can push our meeting to a bit later in the day. Would [new time] work for you instead? I appreciate your understanding!
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: This is great when you need a small time adjustment, like moving the meeting back an hour or two.
Additional Note: It conveys urgency while remaining polite and considerate of the other person’s schedule.
12. Can We Postpone Our Meeting?
A polite and professional way to ask for a meeting delay without specifying when just yet.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Postponing Our Meeting
Hi [Name],
I wanted to reach out to see if we could postpone our meeting. Something urgent came up, and I’d like to reschedule for a later date. Let me know what works for you!
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Best Use: This works best when you’re not sure of a new time yet but need to delay the meeting.
Additional Note: It’s a flexible, polite option for situations where plans are uncertain.
13. Shall We Push the Meeting Forward?
This phrase works well when you want to move the meeting earlier, rather than later.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Pushing the Meeting Forward
Hi [Name],
Would it be possible to push our meeting forward to an earlier time, say [new time]? I’d like to ensure we have enough time for everything. Let me know if this works for you!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Use this when you want to bring a meeting forward on the schedule without sounding rushed.
Additional Note: It conveys a sense of preparedness and shows you’re mindful of time management.
14. Can We Delay the Meeting?
This is a direct but polite way to ask for a short delay in the meeting’s start time.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Delaying Our Meeting
Hi [Name],
Could we delay our meeting by about [amount of time]? I’m caught up with something urgent and need a little more time to prepare. Thanks for understanding!
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Best for situations where you need a slight delay but don’t want to cancel the meeting entirely.
Additional Note: This phrase is simple and to the point while still being polite and considerate.
15. Let’s Move Our Meeting to a More Convenient Time
This phrase highlights that you’re seeking a mutually convenient time for the meeting.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Moving Our Meeting to a Better Time
Hello [Name],
Would it be possible to move our meeting to a more convenient time? I’m happy to suggest [new time], but please let me know what works best for you.
Looking forward to it!
[Your Name]
Best Use: Use this when you want to emphasize the importance of finding a time that works well for both parties.
Additional Note: It’s a thoughtful and professional way to reschedule without causing any pressure.
16. Would Another Date Work for You?
This phrasing shows flexibility, focusing on what’s convenient for the other person.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Finding Another Date for Our Meeting
Hi [Name],
It seems like our current date may not be ideal. Would another date work for you? I’m happy to move things around to accommodate your schedule. Let me know your thoughts.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Perfect for when the date itself, not just the time, needs to be reconsidered.
Additional Note: This phrase is very flexible and shows that you’re being considerate of the recipient’s availability.
17. Let’s Revisit This Meeting at a Later Time
This phrase suggests returning to the meeting later without canceling it outright.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Revisiting Our Meeting Later
Hi [Name],
I’m hoping we can revisit our scheduled meeting at a later time. Something urgent has come up, and I’d appreciate your flexibility. Would [new time] work for you?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Ideal for when you want to reschedule but need a bit of time before confirming new details.
Additional Note: It keeps the door open for rescheduling while allowing some breathing room for planning.
18. Can We Hold Off on the Meeting?
A casual and flexible phrase, suggesting a brief pause before continuing with the meeting.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Holding Off on Our Meeting
Hi [Name],
I’m hoping we can hold off on our meeting for now, as I have a last-minute commitment. Would [new time] work for you? Thank you for your understanding.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Best for informal settings or when you want to pause the meeting without canceling it altogether.
Additional Note: It’s less formal and implies a short-term delay rather than a complete rescheduling.
19. Would You Mind Pushing Back the Meeting?
This phrase shows respect for the other person’s time while politely asking for a delay.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Pushing Back the Meeting Time
Hi [Name],
I was wondering if you’d mind pushing back the time of our meeting to [new time]? Something urgent came up, and I want to ensure I’m fully available for our discussion.
Thanks so much,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Ideal for situations where a small delay will help you better prepare for the meeting.
Additional Note: It’s polite and gives the recipient the option to agree or suggest another time.
20. Can We Revisit the Meeting Plan?
This phrase subtly suggests revisiting the schedule and the meeting agenda to ensure it works for everyone.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Revisiting Our Meeting Plan
Dear [Name],
I wanted to check if we could revisit our meeting plan and potentially adjust the timing. Would [new time] be possible for you? I’m happy to discuss any other adjustments as needed.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Best Use: This works well when the meeting’s agenda or schedule needs to be reviewed or reconsidered.
Additional Note: It’s thoughtful and implies that you’re flexible about both timing and content.
Conclusion
Rescheduling a meeting doesn’t have to be a stressful or impersonal process. By using these 20 alternatives, you can make your communication feel more thoughtful, considerate, and tailored to the situation. Whether you need to delay, shift, or completely reorganize a meeting, these phrases help maintain professionalism while showing you value the other person’s time and effort.
