compliment
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He knows that “Marty Supreme” holds an unflattering mirror up to his own drive and allows that to become its own backhanded compliment to the thrill of watching an actor chase success at all costs.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026
It’s the singer’s most sonically cohesive set, but this time that’s not necessarily a compliment.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026
We thought we owed him the opportunity after our criticism of his tariffs, and we’ll pay him the additional compliment of parsing his claims.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026
That No 10 feels the need to criticise the Greens is a backhanded compliment that shows they matter.
From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026
“I don’t think it felt like a compliment to Janie,” Mom said.
From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
