complements 1 of 2

plural of complement
1
as in supplements
something that serves to complete or make up for a deficiency in something else with his practicality and her refreshing enthusiasm, they are perfect complements to each other

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2
as in capacities
the largest number or amount that something can hold a full complement of sailors on the ship

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complements

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of complement
as in adorns
to serve as a completing element to this silk handkerchief will complement your suit very nicely and give it a bit of dash

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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 complements
Noun
Dill is an easy herb to grow and its unique anise flavor complements salads and meats and adds tang to a jar of pickles. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025 Rules that restrict entry, shape market structure, or favor complements can create more lasting advantage than direct government handouts. Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 At this stage, the team's focus is less on wins and losses and more on determining which players, if any, can serve as long-term complements to Paige Bueckers. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025 Execs at Disney and Fox have described their respective new outlets as complements to their linear business. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2025 The rounded toe complements the simplicity of the shoe, while the stiletto heel, measuring approximately five inches, adds height and a fashionable aesthetic. Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Verb
The space complements the retailer’s unique assortment of apparel and accessories, which for the anniversary will be further enriched by a selection of Gigli’s archival pieces, in a nod to Zambeletti’s roots and homage to the designer that sparked her fashion journey. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025 Notably, covers that include V of BTS are dominating fans’ feeds, with many appreciating how well the superstar’s voice complements BIBI. Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 The bitterness of the drink perfectly complements the sweetness of the pastry. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025 As a first-time viewer and a screenwriter, Emerson brings a fresh perspective to the table that complements the two actresses. Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025 Rosemary complements nearly any oven-roasted vegetable. Cynthia Sass, Health, 9 Sep. 2025 The minimum wage is now worth less than one US dollar, although the government – which sits on the world’s largest oil reserves – complements it with extra handouts and subsidies. Andrew Raine, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025 The best loafer brands offer both functionality along with an undeniably chic edge that complements any outfit. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025 Lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor that perfectly complements the simple syrup. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complements
Noun
  • Antacids, iron or calcium supplements and some antidepressants can have the same effect.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
  • In general, experts suggest getting omega-3s through food rather than supplements.
    Brian Mastroianni, Health, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Jeff Miles, the environmental services director at the Unified Government, said in May that cleaning trash out of area drains and grates, as well as the completion of the storm/sewer system separation, would open up the capacities for area stormwater lines.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Rather than competing directly with technology and AI, this model strengthens the distinctly human capacities that AI cannot replicate.
    Dr. Adil Dalal, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • As for transcendence, there’s a set of scenes when one character unexpectedly adorns red while another lines of blue.
    Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025
  • The script adorns its skein of criminal dealings with idiosyncratic action, too.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Overall, search volumes appear to be up, which is one reason why Google revenues have continued to climb.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Small and large transactions, such as making a purchase at a coffee shop with a digital wallet or moving large volumes of digital assets, can open users up to serious privacy risks.
    Josh Hawkins, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • An abstract profile of her decorates the annual tournament poster.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Nearly every garish flight of fancy that decorates the frame is a distraction while the majority of the film does little more than rotely dramatize Kafka’s biography.
    Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The lucrative pay package would only take effect if Musk completes a series of goals in the coming years.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • This finale completes her arc in a much more satisfying way than heading up Starfleet Legal ever could have.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In addition, the Pilot Pack ($3,400) enhances the Polestar 2’s safety features with 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control and more.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Treating technology migration and cultural integration as complementary strategies reduces friction and enhances adoption.
    Benjamin Niaulin, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complements.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complements. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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