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 However, UConn’s complementary players were not up to the challenge of playing a Final Four caliber opponent in the second game of the season. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 6 Nov. 2026 Future missions are pursuing two complementary approaches for rescuing satellites. — Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 2026 The greater overall difference is Klay is being paid and utilized as a complementary role player, a specialist. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026 Civil engineering and construction management provide complementary foundations. — Nikhil Chandankhede, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complementary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complementary
  1. supplementary
  2. reciprocal
  3. mutual
Adjective
  • But that claim is difficult to reconcile with the disproportionate representation of certain groups among those deleted from supplementary lists issued for some constituencies after an adjudication process.
    — Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Like other clubs, Gollancz expanded its service to additional, supplementary and educational texts, all optional.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of supplementary
Adjective
  • Kontoor is also watching the potential impact of the reciprocal trade framework between the United States and Bangladesh.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • In a flurry of notes, Wall Street analysts pointed to that reciprocal business relationship as a major source of upside for Broadcom, particularly if Anthropic goes public.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of reciprocal
Adjective
  • The couple began dating in 2003 after being introduced through a mutual friend, DJ Clue.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The fable also highlights the concept of reciprocity, in which acts of kindness and respect toward others can lead to positive outcomes and opportunities for collaboration and mutual support.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 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 12 Nov. 2026.

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