complimentary close

American  

[kom-pluh-men-tuh-ree klohz, ‐-men-tree] / ˌkɒm pləˈmɛn tə ri ˈkloʊz, ‐ˈmɛn tri /

Also complimentary closing

noun

1. the part of a letter that by convention immediately precedes the signature, as “Very truly yours,” “Cordially,” or “Sincerely yours.”

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Etymology

Origin of complimentary close

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Include a polite closing line, use a professional complimentary close, and type your full name.

From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021

In formal official letters the complimentary close is Respectfully yours Yours respectfully.

From How to Write Letters (Formerly The Book of Letters) A Complete Guide to Correct Business and Personal Correspondence by Crowther, Mary Owens

The signature is written below the complimentary close and a little to the right, so that it ends about at the right-hand margin.

From How to Write Letters (Formerly The Book of Letters) A Complete Guide to Correct Business and Personal Correspondence by Crowther, Mary Owens

Washington's answer is cheerful, and its complimentary close exceptionally cordial.

From The Life Of Thomas Paine, Vol. I. (of II) With A History of His Literary, Political and Religious Career in America France, and England; to which is added a Sketch of Paine by William Cobbett by Conway, Moncure Daniel

Our choice of a complimentary close, like that of a salutation, depends upon the relations existing between us and those to whom we are writing.

From Composition-Rhetoric by Brooks, Stratton D.