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complimentary

[kom-pluh-men-tuh-ree, -tree]
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adjective
  1. of the nature of, conveying, or expressing a compliment, often one that is politely flattering: a complimentary remark.
  2. given free as a gift or courtesy: a complimentary ticket.
noun, plural com·pli·men·ta·ries.
  1. something given or supplied without charge, as lodging, transportation, or meals, especially as an inducement to prospective customers.

Origin of complimentary

First recorded in 1620–30; compliment + -ary
Related formscom·pli·men·ta·ri·ly, adverbcom·pli·men·ta·ri·ness, nounin·ter·com·pli·men·ta·ry, adjectivequa·si-com·pli·men·ta·ry, adjectiveun·com·pli·men·ta·ry, adjective

Synonyms

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1. commendatory, praising, laudatory.

Antonyms

1. abusive, unflattering.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for complimentaries

Historical Examples

  • I dont think we are going to have any complimentaries, replied Pep.

    The Motion Picture Chums at Seaside Park

    Victor Appleton

  • No a dime, he says; but he showed me a bunch of complimentaries and laughed and said hed sell them cheap.

  • Through some unaccountable oversight, they neglected to specially mark or punch these complimentaries.

    A Pirate of Parts

    Richard Neville

British Dictionary definitions for complimentaries

complimentary

adjective
  1. conveying, containing, or resembling a compliment
  2. expressing praise; flattering
  3. given free, esp as a courtesy or for publicity purposes
Derived Formscomplimentarily, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for complimentaries

complimentary

adj.

1620s, "conveying a compliment," from compliment (n.) + -ary. In later use loosely meaning "free of charge."

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper