complimentary

adjective

com·​pli·​men·​ta·​ry ˌkäm-plə-ˈmen-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce complimentary (audio)
Synonyms of complimentarynext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For further-afield jaunts, the hotel has complimentary bicycles to borrow that allow guests to try locals’ preferred mode of transportation. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026 Pricing is $75 per adult, $20 per child under 12, and complimentary for children under 5. Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026 The dwelling is technically two structures, which are connected by a rope bridge, and guests making their way down to the water can enjoy complimentary access to canoes and kayaks. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026 Focused on making the outdoors more accessible for all, the resort partnered with GRIT Freedom Chair to add an all-terrain wheelchair as a complimentary amenity for travelers with mobility limitations. The Editors, Outside, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complimentary

Word History

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of complimentary was in 1714

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Cite this Entry

“Complimentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complimentary. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

complimentary

adjective
com·​pli·​men·​ta·​ry ˌkäm-plə-ˈment-ə-rē How to pronounce complimentary (audio)
-ˈmen-trē
1
: expressing or containing a compliment
a complimentary remark
2
: given free as a courtesy or favor
complimentary tickets

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