complimentary

adjective

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

Synonyms of complimentary

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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.
Every stay here makes guests feel like family, with complimentary fresh coffee and pastries next door at Blue House Bakery, a year-round hot tub, and a verdant garden courtyard. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 The women's collection features a leather aviator coat, a logo sweater, tees, bags and a complimentary varsity jacket. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 Welker’s comment may seem innocuous or even complimentary to Trump by suggesting an outsized importance in this year’s elections. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026 American Airlines recently announced new complimentary in-flight snack options, including chocolate chip cookies and salty snacks. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complimentary

Word History

Etymology

compliment entry 1 + -ary entry 2

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of complimentary was in 1714

Phrases Containing complimentary

Rhymes for complimentary

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Browse Nearby Words

complimentariness
complimentary
complimentary close
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Cite this Entry

“Complimentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complimentary. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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