com·pli·ment
ˈkäm-plə-mənt 
1
a
: an expression of esteem, respect, affection, or admiration
especially
: an admiring remark
b
: formal and respectful recognition : honor
2
a
b
—used in the phrase compliments of to identify the donor or source of a gift or free item or service
For less than $10, she gets transportation to the real-estate tycoon's casino, a voucher worth about $13 in cash, a meal ticket and a coupon good for $5 on her next visit—all compliments of the casino.—
Julie Amparano
—often used ironically to identify the source of something that is not wantedJulie AmparanoHe received a speeding ticket, compliments of the state police.
Add two more games to the list of area basketball postponements this week, compliments of wintry weather.—Marq Mitcham
Marq Mitcham
com·pli·ment
ˈkäm-plə-ˌment
complimented; complimenting; compliments
1
: to express esteem, respect, affection, or admiration to : to pay a compliment to
complimented the pianist on his performance
2
: to present with a token of esteem
complimented her with an honorary degree
Did you know?
Is it complement or compliment?
Today there is no overlap between the meanings of complement and compliment, as either nouns or verbs, but their similar spellings and pronunciations make them prime candidates for confusion. Despite the difference in their meanings, both complement and compliment have roots in the Latin word complēre which means “to complete.” Complement remains true to that origin in its spelling and in its meanings that have to do with completing or completion. Keep that connection in mind and there should be no question as to whether complement or compliment is the correct word to use in a given context.
Examples of compliment in a Sentence
Noun
"The warden said he wouldn't let just anybody have a young swan, but he'd let you have one because you understand about birds, and he trusts you. That's quite a compliment, son." Mr. Beaver looked pleased.
—E. B. White, The Trumpet Of The Swan, (1970) 2000
Boys in the Midwest grow up without a word of praise, their parents fearful that a compliment might make them vain …
—Garrison Keillor, WLT: A Radio Romance, 1991
Mallard scowled at him. He had never learned to receive compliment or expressions of gratitude gracefully.
—Dorothy Simpson, The Night She Died, 1981
The first presentation of Falstaff I ever saw was yours … Perhaps the best compliment I can pay is to say, as I truly can, I am very anxious to see it again.
—Abraham Lincoln, letter, 17 Aug. 1863
He told her he admired her paintings and she returned the compliment by saying that she was a fan of his sculptures.
When customers recommend our company to friends and family members, we consider that to be the highest compliment we can get.
Verb
She was forever complimenting Ziba's exotic appearance and asking for her viewpoint on various international issues.
—Anne Tyler, Digging to America, 2006
… she had gotten a three-and-a-half-star review in the Nut County Reporter, complimenting her especially on her crème brûlée and her pork medallions …
—Jane Smiley, Good Faith, 2003
What a day. She had been winked at, complimented, given a gift, and now mistaken for the mysterious Alyce …
—Karen Cushman, The Midwife's Apprentice, 1995
Wilde would compliment him later: 'I have always regarded you as the best critic of my plays.' 'But I have never criticised your plays,' said Tree. 'That's why,' said Wilde.
—Richard Ellmann, Oscar Wilde, (1984) 1988
complimented her on her election victory
E. B. White, The Trumpet Of The Swan, (1970) 2000
Boys in the Midwest grow up without a word of praise, their parents fearful that a compliment might make them vain …
—Garrison Keillor, WLT: A Radio Romance, 1991
Mallard scowled at him. He had never learned to receive compliment or expressions of gratitude gracefully.
—Dorothy Simpson, The Night She Died, 1981
The first presentation of Falstaff I ever saw was yours … Perhaps the best compliment I can pay is to say, as I truly can, I am very anxious to see it again.
—Abraham Lincoln, letter, 17 Aug. 1863
He told her he admired her paintings and she returned the compliment by saying that she was a fan of his sculptures.
When customers recommend our company to friends and family members, we consider that to be the highest compliment we can get.
Verb
She was forever complimenting Ziba's exotic appearance and asking for her viewpoint on various international issues.
—Anne Tyler, Digging to America, 2006
… she had gotten a three-and-a-half-star review in the Nut County Reporter, complimenting her especially on her crème brûlée and her pork medallions …
—Jane Smiley, Good Faith, 2003
What a day. She had been winked at, complimented, given a gift, and now mistaken for the mysterious Alyce …
—Karen Cushman, The Midwife's Apprentice, 1995
Wilde would compliment him later: 'I have always regarded you as the best critic of my plays.' 'But I have never criticised your plays,' said Tree. 'That's why,' said Wilde.
—Richard Ellmann, Oscar Wilde, (1984) 1988
complimented her on her election victory
Recent Examples on the Web
Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
There were plenty of compliments to go around at the 2025 Oscars with all the stunning looks walking down the red carpet.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
Some complimented the group’s teamwork and quick action.
—Brooke Baitinger, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compliment
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
You were supposed to be mild and shower them with compliments, rather than be demeaning.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
There were plenty of compliments to go around at the 2025 Oscars with all the stunning looks walking down the red carpet.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
The Oscar-winner Lady Gaga sits among an elite group of artists who can call themselves Oscar winners, a prize that certainly compliments the 14 Grammy awards already sitting atop her shelf.
—Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
Some complimented the group’s teamwork and quick action.
—Brooke Baitinger, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compliment
Cite this Entry
“Compliment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compliment. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
compliment
1 of 2 noun
com·pli·ment
ˈkäm-plə-mənt
1
: an expression of respect, affection, or admiration
especially
: an admiring remark
2
plural
: best wishes : regards
compliment
2 of 2 verb
com·pli·ment
ˈkäm-plə-ˌment
: to pay a compliment to
was complimented on his performance
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