complimentary

adjective

com·​pli·​men·​ta·​ry ˌkäm-plə-ˈmen-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce complimentary (audio)
1
a
: expressing praise or admiration : expressing or containing a compliment
a complimentary remark
b
: favorable
the novel received complimentary reviews
2
: given free as a courtesy or favor
complimentary tickets

Examples of complimentary in a Sentence

Furtado is as complimentary about Elliott's manicure … as she is about Elliott's business acumen. David A. Keeps, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2001
In the bar that evening I at last had the Holiday Inn's complimentary drink, "Tropical Aura." V. S. Naipaul, Among the Believers, 1981
Wilbur had been feeling dizzier and dizzier through this long, complimentary speech. When he heard the crowd begin to cheer and clap again, he suddenly fainted away. E. B. White, Charlotte's Web, 1952
She made complimentary remarks about his work. They handed out complimentary brochures. The restaurant offers valet parking as a complimentary service.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Guests can look forward to the brand’s signature Japanese cuisine at its two-level Nobu restaurant with a sushi bar, minimalist-yet-plush rooms with spa-like bathrooms (complete with deep-soaking tubs), and perks like complimentary cruiser bikes and breakfast at Sakura Lounge. AFAR Media, 11 July 2025 First responders in the local area will be offered complimentary tickets to the event. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 11 July 2025 Friday’s event will begin at 5 p.m. and continue into the evening, with complimentary valet parking and sounds by At the Moment (atm). Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 10 July 2025 Verizon Fios offers ongoing signup bonuses that include reward cards, free electronics or appliances and complimentary streaming services. Kara McGinley, USA Today, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for complimentary

Word History

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of complimentary was in 1714

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Complimentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complimentary. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

complimentary

adjective
com·​pli·​men·​ta·​ry ˌkäm-plə-ˈment-ə-rē How to pronounce complimentary (audio)
-ˈmen-trē
1
: expressing or containing a compliment
a complimentary remark
2
: given free as a courtesy or favor
complimentary tickets

More from Merriam-Webster on complimentary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!