complimentary

adjective

com·​pli·​men·​ta·​ry ˌkäm-plə-ˈmen-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce complimentary (audio)
Synonyms of complimentary
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
complimentarily
ˌkäm-plə-ˈmen-t(ə-)rə-lē How to pronounce complimentary (audio) -(ˌ)men-ˈter-ə-lē How to pronounce complimentary (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of complimentary

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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.
Amenities and experiences True to the unhurried rhythm of the avenue, The Warbler provides a complimentary daily streetcar pass, one of the great pleasures of visiting and living in the Crescent City. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2026 The Sapphire Reserve offers complimentary subscriptions to both Apple TV and Apple Music for a minimum of one year when activated by June 22, 2027. — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 Hurtigruten also offers a Northern Lights Promise on qualifying voyages, providing a complimentary return voyage if the lights aren't officially sighted during your trip. — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Before the pandemic, some properties even offered loyalty points or complimentary items to guests who skipped housekeeping during their stay. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complimentary

Word History

Etymology

compliment entry 1 + -ary entry 2

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of complimentary was in 1714

Phrases Containing complimentary

Rhymes for complimentary

See All Rhymes for complimentary

Browse Nearby Words

complimentariness
complimentary
complimentary close
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Cite this Entry

“Complimentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complimentary. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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
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