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
To bring some order to these efforts, organizers can imagine a triangle representing complementary goals.
—
Juliette Kayyem, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Yes, the Heat are developing a nice element of complementary talent.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
Colorado has three first-line centers in MacKinnon, Kadri, and Nelson, the best defenseman in the world, and a supporting cast that is so deep in star power that Necas, Gabe Landeskog, and Artturi Lehkonen get discussed as complementary players.
—Peter Baugh, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The shade plays particularly well with a bright white like Behr’s French Chateau White to create clean, complementary contrast.
—Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complementary
Juliette Kayyem, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Yes, the Heat are developing a nice element of complementary talent.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
Colorado has three first-line centers in MacKinnon, Kadri, and Nelson, the best defenseman in the world, and a supporting cast that is so deep in star power that Necas, Gabe Landeskog, and Artturi Lehkonen get discussed as complementary players.
—Peter Baugh, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The shade plays particularly well with a bright white like Behr’s French Chateau White to create clean, complementary contrast.
—Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complementary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complementary
Adjective
-
Thissen, an associate justice, wrote a supplementary but concurring opinion objecting to certain findings in the disbarment decision, noting the court had failed to differentiate between negligent and intentional misappropriation of funds.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
30 Apr. 2026
-
In addition to the countertop surrounding the rectangular sink complete with flip-up extension on the main block, a supplementary counter block tops the refrigerator behind the wet bath on the driver's side.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
When the queen visited in 1976, British officials discussed whether to invite Carter, then the likely Democratic nominee, to the reciprocal dinner at the British Embassy to meet her.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
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Stefanishyna envisions a reciprocal partnership with Washington, in which each side can provide the other with critical assistance.—
Trudy Rubin,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Hiring a new superintendent The timing of Allen’s departure led to questions about her involvement in the fiscal crisis despite Jeane’s insistence that the mutual decision was not a direct result of the budget process.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
1 May 2026
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For decades, extremist groups recruited in part by offering mutual aid to their members, many of whom had grown up neglected or abused and may have struggled with addiction and untreated mental illness, Simi said.—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complementary. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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