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 The tie-waist is made to look like the arms of a button-down shirt in a complementary green stripe, which makes the piece look both styled and playful without having to do any of the work yourself. — ABC News, 25 July 2026 This term refers to using two or more peptides simultaneously to achieve different or complementary effects. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 24 July 2026 What at one moment are antitheses come to be felt as complementary situations. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026 SpaceX has also been pitching Starlink Mobile to potential carrier partners as a complementary service. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for complementary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complementary
  1. supplementary
  2. reciprocal
  3. mutual
Adjective
  • Natural Fertilizer Aside from conserving soil moisture, natural or pelleted wool also helps feed the soil and can be used as a supplementary fertilizer in organic gardens.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 20 July 2026
  • The supplementary motor area helps organise their sequence, and the primary motor cortex sends commands to the muscles of the trunk, shoulder, arm and wrist.
    — Michelle Spear, Scientific American, 11 July 2026
Definition of supplementary
Adjective
  • Creator relationships often remain asymmetrical, fostering spectatorship rather than genuine, reciprocal community.
    — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • More recently, Tom Morello, Puscifer, and even the world’s greatest rock ’n roll band, the Rolling Stones, have recognized the reciprocal relationship that fans have with both mediums.
    — Lina Lecaro, SPIN, 22 July 2026
Definition of reciprocal
Adjective
  • Companies embracing enduring relationships and providing necessary business tools will unlock mutual financial growth, moving past outdated, expensive short-term activations.
    — Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • The overinvestment, paired with the contradictory mixture of competition and mutual investment at the frontier, is giving some investors heartburn.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 26 July 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 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on complementary

Nglish: Translation of complementary for Spanish Speakers

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