complementary

adjective

ˌkäm-plə-ˈmen-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce complementary (audio)
Definition of complementarynext
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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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 complementary But Saturday night showed a way for the offense to play complementary football even with the unit’s inability to run the ball. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026 This data suggests that pro-climate messages could appeal to swing voters most strongly if climate policies are seen as complementary to affordability. — Geoffrey Henderson, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026 Faisal Munir, president of mission-critical communications at L3Harris, said the partnership combines complementary technologies with resilient networks. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026 The strategy works through two complementary pathways, either of which some brands may already be pursuing. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complementary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complementary
  1. supplementary
  2. reciprocal
  3. mutual
Adjective
  • The space is warm and lo-fi—Polaroids of friends and a handwritten lineup of the day’s specials (which can be added at a supplementary cost) are stuck to a noticeboard—but the food is sharp and assured.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Since 1973, however, Olympic medalists and Asian Games gold medalists have been able to replace the full term with a supplementary service which consists of three weeks of basic training.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of supplementary
Adjective
  • Ideally, a reciprocal halt in long-range air and missile attacks could then be replicated across other sectors—maritime, commercial, and transportation—thus forming the basis of a broader aerial cease-fire.
    — Eric Ciaramella, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Houthis now claim the right to impose reciprocal restrictions on Saudi Arabia, particularly by targeting its ports and oil-exporting infrastructure.
    — Laurent Bonnefoy, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of reciprocal
Adjective
  • For my body has betrayed that my personal Room 101 must be the mid-exposure realization of having miscalculated a mutual understanding.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Despite their stunning ensembles, their most important accessory was their obvious connection, shown through affectionate hugs, smiles, knowing glances, and mutual support.
    — Alessia Amorosini, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of mutual

Browse Nearby Words

complement
complementary
complemented
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Cite this Entry

“Complementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complementary. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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