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

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.

The heading, salutation, complimentary close, and signature are all omitted.

From Composition-Rhetoric by Brooks, Stratton D.

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

From Practical Grammar and Composition by Wood, Thomas

Conclusion of a Letter.+—The conclusion of a letter includes what is termed the complimentary close and the signature.

From Composition-Rhetoric by Brooks, Stratton D.