Complimentary means free of charge or expressing praise. Complementary describes things that fit together or make each other more effective. A restaurant might serve a complimentary drink with flavors that are complementary to the meal.
Free, praising, or working together
- “The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle.” Guests can ride it at no extra charge.
- “The reviewer was complimentary about the cast.” The reviewer expressed praise.
- “The coaches have complementary skills.” One is good at planning drills and the other at giving individual feedback. Their skills work well together.
Use complimentary for free tickets
Complimentary tickets are tickets offered at no charge. When you’re describing two things that complete or enhance each other, choose complementary. Remember the shared opening comple- in complement and complete.
Try it
“The museum offered ___ tickets to two exhibits with ___ themes.”
Show the answer
Use complimentary for the free tickets and complementary for themes that work together.
For the related nouns and verbs, see Complement vs. Compliment.
