compliment
Americannoun
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an expression of praise, commendation, or admiration.
A sincere compliment boosts one's morale.
- Antonyms:
- disparagement
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an act or expression of civility, respect, or regard.
The mayor paid him the compliment of escorting him.
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compliments, a courteous greeting; good wishes; regards.
He sends you his compliments.
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Archaic. a gift; present.
verb (used with object)
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to express praise, commendation, or admiration of.
She complimented the child on his good behavior.
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to show kindness or regard for by a gift or other favor.
He complimented us by giving a party in our honor.
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to congratulate.
They were traveling to the capital to compliment the prince on the birth of a son.
verb (used without object)
idioms
noun
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a remark or act expressing respect, admiration, etc
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(usually plural) a greeting of respect or regard
verb
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to express admiration of; congratulate or commend
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to express or show respect or regard for, esp by a gift
Usage
What’s the difference between compliment and complement? A compliment is a comment intended to express praise or admiration of someone. Compliment is also commonly used as a verb meaning to give a compliment. The word complement most commonly refers to something that goes along with something else and serves to make it better or complete it. It’s also commonly used as a verb meaning to serve as a complement in this way, as in That necklace really complements the rest of your outfit. Complement has many other specific meanings, but compliment is really only used to refer to a nice comment or the action of giving one. Since the primary senses of both words are generally used in positive contexts, it can be easy to confuse them. The adjective form of complement is complementary, as in complementary colors. The adjective form of compliment is complimentary, which can describe something intended to be a compliment, as in complimentary remark, or it can be used to mean that something is given for free, as in I hope we get complimentary snacks on this flight. The easiest way to remember the difference is that complement often means to complete, and complete also starts with c-o-m-p-l-e. On the other hand, compliment is spelled with an i, and compliments are something that I like to get (and give). Nice shirt, by the way. Here’s an example of compliment and complement used correctly in the same sentence. Example: The chef overheard the diners at one table complimenting the way the sauce complemented the fish, so she told the server to offer them a complimentary dessert. Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between compliment and complement.
Commonly Confused
See complement.
See complement
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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complimenternoun
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outcomplimentverb (used with object)
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complimentableadjective
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uncomplimentedadjective
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uncomplimentingadjective
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complimentinglyadverb
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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complimentsimple
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complimentssimple
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have complimentedperfect
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has complimentedperfect
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am complimentingprogressive
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are complimentingprogressive
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is complimentingprogressive
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have been complimentingperfect progressive
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has been complimentingperfect progressive
Past
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complimentedsimple
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had complimentedperfect
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was complimentingprogressive
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were complimentingprogressive
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had been complimentingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of compliment
First recorded in 1570–80; from French, from Italian complimento, from Spanish cumplimiento “compliance or fulfillment of the forms of a courtesy,” from cumpli(r) “to complete” ( cf. comply) + -miento, noun suffix ( cf. -ment); earlier identical in spelling with complement
Explanation
A compliment is an expression of respect or admiration, like, "You're such a good writer," or "You know so many words!" Keep them coming. Compliments are always welcome, because they usually make people feel good. It’s saying something nice about someone or something. If you get mysterious flowers, look at the card – perhaps it will say “compliments of your upstairs neighbors,” as an apology for playing their music too loud all night. Or if you say, “my compliments to the chef!” you really liked your meal.
Vocabulary lists containing compliment
Some Tricky Homonyms
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"Of Mice and Men"
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The Balcony Scene from "Romeo and Juliet"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
"I'd just run the full-back down the line so it was a bit of a compliment from him. That's how I took it anyway."
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
But the best compliment I can pay Early is that, while you never quite unsee his jawline and strategic padding, his total commitment is such that it swings you over.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2026
“Everyone was there to just compliment each other, dance with each other, have a good time. I could not have been more wrong about what I thought was going to happen there.”
From Slate ● Jun. 25, 2026
On debate stages, candidates still draw distinctions with one another, but they also compliment their opponents and highlight areas of agreement.
From Salon ● Jun. 9, 2026
I kind of want to ask why Brie’s allowed to give a compliment.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
There were also constant compliments that she was helping to "keep him alive".
From BBC ● Jun. 21, 2026
Little wonder then that Musk has been heaping compliments on ASML, posting on X Saturday that “ASML should be treasured. It is arguably the greatest company in Europe.”
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 8, 2026
The hostess working the front desk at the bar compliments my hair, which, to be honest, is in desperate need of a cut.
From Slate ● Jun. 2, 2026
Bloom’s compliments were often accompanied by complaints about himself.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 29, 2026
For the rest of the week, we all get a lot of compliments on the presentation.
From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh
This is not the first time Trump has complimented the Australian retirement program.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 7, 2026
He complimented an Emirati journalist who asked a question, describing the man known as MBZ as a "handsome guy" whom "I can put... right now in a movie".
From Barron's ● Jun. 17, 2026
The president’s son called Navarro “my boy” and complimented him on the “jacked” physique he developed while in prison.
From Salon ● May 31, 2026
On Aug. 20, 2021, after being complimented for a post that was viewed more than 15,000 times, Wang responded to a Chinese official: “Thank you leader,” according to the plea agreement.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 2026
She complimented them on their flattering, carefully chosen outfits and waited as they had their hair fashioned, their eyebrows trained, and their slight imperfections masked by powder.
From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
Students who saw our campaign were more willing to take social risks, such as complimenting peers, expressing gratitude and asking for help when they needed it.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 21, 2025
Hoffman: I also just had a thought that this interview’s going to be so annoying to read because it’s literally just going to be me and Andrew complimenting each other for however long.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2025
“It’s brilliant!” he whispers, complimenting her writing as propulsive.
From Salon ● Jul. 13, 2025
The proposed improvements aim to modernise the station while still complimenting the history and heritage of the building, they added.
From BBC ● Mar. 12, 2025
The riders were perfectly pleasant, complimenting Ethel on her ginger cake.
From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
