complimentary

adjective

com·​pli·​men·​ta·​ry ˌkäm-plə-ˈmen-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce complimentary (audio)
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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web The stickers will be complimentary at RIMOWA Design District Store, allowing guests to reimagine Typoe’s artwork on their own personal suitcases. Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 Start the day enjoying a traditional Japanese breakfast in the comfort of your complimentary kimono that has been laid out for you in your room. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 29 Nov. 2023 Book one of the Rosewood Escapes, which includes complimentary breakfast for two, complimentary access to Asaya Spa, and complimentary access to the fitness suite. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2023 No matter your sleeping position—even you, side sleepers—you’re guaranteed to find a favorite at its Black Friday-Cyber Monday sale, with up to 30% off select mattresses and complimentary bedding accessories with some purchases. Jake Smith, Glamour, 24 Nov. 2023 Cardholders get complimentary Diamond status, the highest status tier in the Hilton Honors program. Ben Luthi, wsj.com, 21 Nov. 2023 The new culinary director, Saul Umana, is introducing local and historical foods in his new menus, while fall also brings complimentary yoga classes and sound baths. Kathryn Romeyn, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2023 Find it on Amazon This Tablet Doubles As A Computer Step into the future of portable technology with this Tablet that comes with a complimentary keyboard. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 17 Nov. 2023 Access here includes tickets to whisky master classes, complimentary whisky tastings, and service of their Macallan in a Lalique crystal glass. Jillian Dara, Robb Report, 16 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'complimentary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of complimentary was in 1714

Dictionary Entries Near complimentary

Cite this Entry

“Complimentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complimentary. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on complimentary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!