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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.”


Etymology

Origin of complimentary close

First recorded in 1915–20

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:

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

From Textbooks Dec. 21, 2021

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 Moncure Daniel Conway

Appropriateness is the only guide to the choice of a complimentary close.

From Practical Grammar and Composition by Thomas Wood

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 Stratton D. Brooks

The complimentary close should be written on a separate line near the middle of the page, and should begin with a capital letter.

From Practical Grammar and Composition by Thomas Wood

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