complement 1 of 2

Definition of complementnext
1
as in supplement
something that serves to complete or make up for a deficiency in something else with his practicality and her refreshing enthusiasm, they are perfect complements to each other

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in capacity
the largest number or amount that something can hold a full complement of sailors on the ship

Synonyms & Similar Words

complement

2 of 2

verb

as in to adorn
to serve as a completing element to this silk handkerchief will complement your suit very nicely and give it a bit of dash

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of complement
Noun
Waddle is a great complement for Courtland Sutton. Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026 Which is, on paper, a savvy complement to Sutton, who can move the chains, body up smaller foes outside the hashes and win jump balls in the end zone. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
Jan Bapst, a Dune Acres resident and former library board member, noted how the library’s project with Brown Mansion will complement efforts of the Duneland YMCA, which is in the midst of renovating and adding to the nearby former Chesterton Middle School building. Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 Each collaboration is tailored to local needs, helping broadcasters reach younger audiences while providing more local storytelling to complement Disney+’s global catalogue. Ed Meza, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complement
Noun
  • The records provide an inside view of the business of infant formula and fortifier, a nutritional supplement added to a mother’s milk.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The world of collagen supplements—which has long been a staple in supporting our skin, hair, and joint health—can be a tricky one to navigate.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Neither has served in an active military capacity during the current conflict.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The new facility will be based in the Finnish city of Lappeenranta with a capacity of up to 310 MW.
    Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The bandshell, seating 4,000, was adorned with minarets and the park and Biscayne Boulevard dressed with statues and Sphinx representations.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Later in the evening, the star switched things up, changing into a butter-yellow matching set adorned with sparkles and floral appliqués.
    Essence, Essence, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The spikes in volume didn’t indicate whether the trades were buy or sell orders, but based on how prices moved as they were placed other traders quickly deduced that someone was selling oil futures, a bet on the value of the commodity falling, and buying stock futures, a bet on a market rebound.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • And yet the first half Sunday felt worse, because of the appalling volume of wide open Pacers three-pointers and the poor quality of the injury-riddled opponent.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The new menu reflects a broader trend in stadium dining, where teams are looking into unique and locally inspired food items, while also enhancing the overall game day experience.
    Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Reporters reviewed guardianship, probate and other court documents, corporate filings and real estate records.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
  • That’s beachfront real estate sold for thousands of dollars each game.
    Mac Engel April 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Major renovations were completed in 2025, which saw the lobby and majority of the rooms upgraded, plus the addition of new restaurants including high-end Indian eatery Mahika.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Officials say the investigation remains ongoing and could take between 60 to 90 days to complete.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The ceiling is decorated with representations of Italian coins from the Etruscans to the early 20th century, the floor consists of colorful geometric mosaics, and gazing down on the scene are busts of various iconic Italian figures, from Marco Polo to Alessandro Volta.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Ben spends the afternoon buttering up Ellie and praising her cake-icing skills, and even gives her the task of decorating the wedding cake.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Complement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complement. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on complement

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster