as in supplementary
related to each other in such a way that one completes the other
the complementary contributions of the cooking and cleanup committees were essential to the success of the church barbecue
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Recent Examples of complementary
Pick from their two complementary spring shades, including Meringue and Lilac Moonlight, enhanced by a sheen that will dress it up.
—
Nicole Pyles, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2026
McAdams added on a complementary butter yellow midiskirt, completing her look with stiletto mules.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
In portfolios, gold typically serves as the anchor while silver plays a complementary role that can amplify returns during rallies.
—Sharon Wu, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
For fall, Deke is expanding beyond shorts into pants that will offer the same construction and materials, along with an assortment of complementary tops.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complementary
Nicole Pyles, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2026
McAdams added on a complementary butter yellow midiskirt, completing her look with stiletto mules.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
In portfolios, gold typically serves as the anchor while silver plays a complementary role that can amplify returns during rallies.
—Sharon Wu, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
For fall, Deke is expanding beyond shorts into pants that will offer the same construction and materials, along with an assortment of complementary tops.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complementary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complementary
Adjective
-
Strategic partnerships and supplementary initiatives ORNL provides material characterization and manufacturing expertise, Type One Energy acts as the primary industry developer, UT Knoxville contributes engineering talent, and TVA provides the physical infrastructure and site management.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Jan. 2026
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State lawmakers have set up potential supplementary funding from a car rental fee and oil and gas companies.—
Bruce Finley,
Denver Post,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Bringing the Innovations Back to US Universities The relationships within the Alliance are designed to be reciprocal.—
Bryan Penprase,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Jessica Pegula, who takes on Anisimova Wednesday, extends the reciprocal relationship to more involved discussions.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The contract includes a $1 million signing bonus and mutual option for the 2028 season.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
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The bookstore’s nonprofit focuses on education and literacy, mutual aid and building community.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complementary. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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