complimentary

adjective

com·​pli·​men·​ta·​ry ˌkäm-plə-ˈmen-t(ə-)rē 

1

a

: expressing praise or admiration : expressing or containing a compliment

a complimentary remark

b

: favorable

the novel received complimentary reviews

2

: given free as a courtesy or favor

complimentary tickets

complimentarily

ˌkäm-plə-ˈmen-t(ə-)rə-lē  -(ˌ)men-ˈter-ə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of complimentary

• favorable
• positive
• good

Examples of complimentary in a Sentence

Furtado is as complimentary about Elliott's manicure … as she is about Elliott's business acumen. —David A. Keeps, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2001

In the bar that evening I at last had the Holiday Inn's complimentary drink, "Tropical Aura." —V. S. Naipaul, Among the Believers, 1981

Wilbur had been feeling dizzier and dizzier through this long, complimentary speech. When he heard the crowd begin to cheer and clap again, he suddenly fainted away. —E. B. White, Charlotte's Web, 1952

She made complimentary remarks about his work.

They handed out complimentary brochures.

The restaurant offers valet parking as a complimentary service.

Recent Examples on the Web

Under the new policy, shoppers received one hour of complimentary parking before rates jumped to $13 for one to three hours, $20 for three to 12 hours and a $50 daily maximum. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Other benefits in that tier include a complimentary minibar setup, complimentary afternoon tea served in the stateroom, and a deluxe canapé selection on formal nights. — Scott Laird, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026

Not to mention the travel perks, like complimentary lounge access and up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on eligible bookings through American Express Travel. — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

Emirates With its Dubai Connect program, Emirates offers travelers with extended layovers in Dubai an array of complimentary perks, including a one-night hotel stay, visa, meals, and transfers to and from the airport. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

compliment entry 1 + -ary entry 2

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing complimentary

• complimentary close

Rhymes for complimentary

• alimentary
• documentary
• parliamentary
• rudimentary
• sedimentary
• supplementary
• testamentary
• integumentary
• uncomplimentary
• unparliamentary
• interparliamentary
• metasedimentary

Kids Definition

complimentary

adjective

com·​pli·​men·​ta·​ry ˌkäm-plə-ˈment-ə-rē 

-ˈmen-trē

1

: expressing or containing a compliment

a complimentary remark

2

: given free as a courtesy or favor

complimentary tickets