accompaniment

noun

ac·​com·​pa·​ni·​ment ə-ˈkəm-pə-nē-mənt 

-ˈkəmp-nē-

1

music : an instrumental or vocal part designed to support or complement a melody

sang the song with a piano accompaniment

2

a

: an addition (such as an ornament) intended to give completeness or symmetry to something : complement

a tie that's a nice accompaniment to his new suit

b

: an accompanying situation or occurrence : concomitant

studied Italian as an accompaniment to her art history class

accompanimental

ə-ˌkəm-pə-nē-ˈmen-tᵊl 

-ˌkəmp-nē-

adjective

Synonyms of accompaniment

• complement
• companion
• attendant
• concomitant
• incident
• corollary
• obbligato
• consequence
• adjunct

Examples of accompaniment in a Sentence

She sings without musical accompaniment.

A nice tie was a fine accompaniment to his new suit.

This dish can be served as an accompaniment to most meat main dishes.

This wine is a good accompaniment for spicy foods.

She studied Italian as an accompaniment to her classes in art history.

Recent Examples on the Web

Her honeyed yet striking vocals took center stage, weaving through orchestral accompaniment heavy on violins. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2025

To allow the delicate flavor and texture of the melt-in-your-mouth fish to shine, the Seabird’s accompaniments are less aggressive than those of the Birdman. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2025

Afterwards, the ’80s pop star performed a medley of career-spanning hits with accompaniment from Avril Lavigne, Raye, and others to celebrate the occasion. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 9 Nov. 2025

Serve with garlic bread for the perfect savory accompaniment that will conveniently help sop up every last bit of cheese and marinara sauce. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

accompany + -ment, on the model of French accompagnement, going back to Old French acompaignement "feudal power-sharing contract," derivative of acompaigner "to accompany"

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing accompaniment

• to the accompaniment of

Kids Definition

accompaniment

noun

ac·​com·​pa·​ni·​ment ə-ˈkəmp-(ə-)nē-mənt 

1

: music played along with a solo part to enrich it

2

: an accompanying object, situation, or event