complimentary
[ kom-pluh-men-tuh-ree, -tree ]
/ ˌkɒm pləˈmɛn tə ri, -tri /
Save This Word!
adjective
of the nature of, conveying, or expressing a compliment, often one that is politely flattering: a complimentary remark.
given free as a gift or courtesy: a complimentary ticket.
noun, plural com·pli·men·ta·ries.
something given or supplied without charge, as lodging, transportation, or meals, especially as an inducement to prospective customers.
OTHER WORDS FOR complimentary
QUIZ
ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?
We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
Question 1 of 8
Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Origin of complimentary
First recorded in 1620–30; compliment + -ary
OTHER WORDS FROM complimentary
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use complimentary in a sentence
I allude to the burning noonday sun, that makes this close-shut valley, as it is complimentarily called, a veritable furnace.
The Roof of France|Matilda Betham-EdwardsHe spoke complimentarily of the troops, but was extremely jealous of the navy.
The Memoirs of General W. T. Sherman, Complete|William T. Sherman"That's very Yankee-like, I believe," he said complimentarily.
The Cruise of the Dry Dock|T. S. StriblingIt complimentarily introduces a hint or two of Wagner's Grail motif.
Contemporary American Composers|Rupert Hughes
British Dictionary definitions for complimentary
complimentary
/ (ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntərɪ, -trɪ) /
adjective
conveying, containing, or resembling a compliment
expressing praise; flattering
given free, esp as a courtesy or for publicity purposes
Derived forms of complimentary
complimentarily, adverbCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012