complimentary

[kom-pluh-men-tuh-ree, -tree]

adjective

1. given free as a gift or courtesy.

   The hotel gives repeat guests a complimentary gift basket

2. expressing a compliment, often one that is politely flattering.

   a complimentary remark.

   Synonyms: laudatory, commendatory
   Antonyms: abusive

3. showing or conveying approval or favor.

   Our project was received in a complimentary spirit by the community.

   His analysis of our work was not as complimentary as we were hoping it would be.

noun

plural

complimentaries 

1. something given or supplied without charge, such as lodging, transportation, or meals, especially as an inducement to prospective customers.

complimentary

/ -trɪ, ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntərɪ /

adjective

1. conveying, containing, or resembling a compliment

2. expressing praise; flattering

3. given free, esp as a courtesy or for publicity purposes

Other Word Forms

• complimentarily adverb
• complimentariness noun
• intercomplimentary adjective
• quasi-complimentary adjective
• uncomplimentary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of complimentary¹

First recorded in 1620–30; compliment + -ary

Example Sentences

“As we look to transform the on-island experience, we have evaluated our policies,” the spokesperson said, noting that certain beverages, such as iced tea and juice, will be complimentary.

Read more on MarketWatch

But they could be either complimentary or a quicker, easier-to-access alternative for some women, at a time when there can be long waits for NHS mental health services.

Read more on BBC

At the flagship Sollis Health office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, there’s complimentary coconut water and Netflix available on TV screens in the exam rooms.

Read more on Barron's

When BBC Scotland, asked fans for their views, very few were complimentary of the head coach.

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This episode shows a clip from a Fox News segment where an anchor is overly complimentary of the president.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appreciative 
• congratulatory 
• polite 
• respectful 

When To Use

What’s the difference between complimentary and complementary?

Complimentary is an adjective that can describe something intended to be a compliment—a comment that expresses praise or admiration of someone (as in a complimentary remark). It can also be used to mean that something is given for free, as in I hope we get complimentary snacks on this flight. Complementary is an adjective used to describe something that complements something else—goes along with it and serves to make it better or complete it (as in complementary colors).Since the primary senses of both words are generally used in positive contexts, it can be easy to confuse them.The easiest way to remember the difference is that complementary often involves something that completes something else, and complete also starts with c-o-m-p-l-e. On the other hand, you can remember that complimentary is spelled with an i because compliments are something that I like to get (and give). Nice shirt, by the way.Here’s an example of complimentary and complementary used correctly in the same sentence.Example: Sometimes, when the chef overhears complimentary feedback about a dish, she sends out a complimentary bottle of wine—one that’s complementary to the rest of the meal, of course.Want to learn more? Read about the difference between compliment and complement.