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

See Examples For:

complimentary close

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.

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.

Never use "oblige" in the place of the complimentary close.

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

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

From Composition-Rhetoric by Brooks, Stratton D.