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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2026
Make sure the music stays in the background and complements, not competes with, the conversation.
—Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 20 Apr. 2026
The programming lineup complements previously announced selections, including narrative and documentary feature films, exclusive screenings and world premieres, sneak peaks and red-carpet premieres.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
The oversized shape comes in a variation of colors, but the classic black complements Kravitz's edgy aesthetic while offering plenty of room for workday essentials.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 10 Apr. 2026
The soft custard filling complements the firm peach slices for a delightful texture and the perfect make-ahead dessert.
—Abby Fribush, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
Hosta’s spreading habit complements the elegant, upright shape of hydrangeas.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2026
Canori, in his statement, added that his team has taken tremendous care working with Newport Beach and world-class architects to ensure the project complements and aligns with the vision and plan for Newport Center.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026
But the 5-8, 185-pound Robinson and the 5-9, 162-pound Austin are more ideally suited on as complements on deep offenses rather than as primary targets on thin ones.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
Laura Jackson, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026
Seed Studio Landscape Design added a redwood privacy fence around the periphery of this Northern California property that echoes trees in the backyard and complements this dark gray midcentury modern home.
—Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 24 Apr. 2026
Lemon lends a floral aroma to each slice, which complements the sharpness of the citrus and delicate berry flavor in the glaze.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
Each measurement complements the other.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
The simple, rounded edges and flat handles provide a sleek look that complements the detailed olive dishware and pops against the forest green napkins.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
Stafford, a rising junior, complements a defensive back group that’s one of UCLA’s deepest rooms.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 14 Apr. 2026
On screen, Shark brings a raw, unpolished energy that complements the film’s aesthetic.
—Sean Sennett, HollywoodReporter, 13 Apr. 2026
This option has a clean, versatile design that complements many styles, and the durable polypropylene construction resists fading, stains, and daily wear and tear.
—Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
Best of all, these eclectic complements come in all shapes and sizes—from modern designs by contemporary artists and local artisans to collectible porcelains resold by vintage dealers.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2026
Make sure the music stays in the background and complements, not competes with, the conversation.
—Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 20 Apr. 2026
The programming lineup complements previously announced selections, including narrative and documentary feature films, exclusive screenings and world premieres, sneak peaks and red-carpet premieres.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
The oversized shape comes in a variation of colors, but the classic black complements Kravitz's edgy aesthetic while offering plenty of room for workday essentials.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 10 Apr. 2026
The soft custard filling complements the firm peach slices for a delightful texture and the perfect make-ahead dessert.
—Abby Fribush, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
Hosta’s spreading habit complements the elegant, upright shape of hydrangeas.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2026
Canori, in his statement, added that his team has taken tremendous care working with Newport Beach and world-class architects to ensure the project complements and aligns with the vision and plan for Newport Center.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026
But the 5-8, 185-pound Robinson and the 5-9, 162-pound Austin are more ideally suited on as complements on deep offenses rather than as primary targets on thin ones.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
And with spring soirée season in full swing, The Row’s sleek style complements Kallmeyer’s floral strapless dress to perfection.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026
Seed Studio Landscape Design added a redwood privacy fence around the periphery of this Northern California property that echoes trees in the backyard and complements this dark gray midcentury modern home.
—Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 24 Apr. 2026
Lemon lends a floral aroma to each slice, which complements the sharpness of the citrus and delicate berry flavor in the glaze.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
Each measurement complements the other.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
The simple, rounded edges and flat handles provide a sleek look that complements the detailed olive dishware and pops against the forest green napkins.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
Stafford, a rising junior, complements a defensive back group that’s one of UCLA’s deepest rooms.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 14 Apr. 2026
On screen, Shark brings a raw, unpolished energy that complements the film’s aesthetic.
—Sean Sennett, HollywoodReporter, 13 Apr. 2026
This option has a clean, versatile design that complements many styles, and the durable polypropylene construction resists fading, stains, and daily wear and tear.
—Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complements
Noun
-
In other words, Heidecker plans to hawk supplements like these.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Hill wants a 5% increase in teacher supplements, which range from about $8,000 to $14,000.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The pact also calls for strengthening operational capacities of the Haiti National Police and Armed Forces of Haiti, defining cooperation protocols with the Gang Suppression Force and the reactivation of the National Commission for Disarmament, Dismantlement and Reintegration.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Some of the capacities cited may also represent theoretical potential or systems that are not consistently operating at full scale.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The rehab project at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption was sorely needed to repair deteriorated stone, metal and glass that adorns the limestone exterior.—
Dylan Lovan,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
-
My favorite Italian/Italian American cookbooks The famous recipe for pinwheel lasagna that adorns the cover is one of my go-to dishes.—
Jamila Robinson,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The state office is mandated to report to the legislature on missing persons and homicide cases, along with the correlates of domestic violence and human trafficking.—
Mara H. Gottfried,
Twin Cities,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Palm Jebel Ali ranked second only to Palm Jumeirah in luxury transaction volumes last year.—
Manal Albarakati,
semafor.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In practice, those systems are not ready for the volumes EPR will generate.—
Jessica Binns,
Vogue,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
My cabin had a neutral-toned color scheme with decor in varying shades of beige and a dark navy carpet, which was a nice contrast to the vibrant art that decorates most of the ship.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The clean, green foliage decorates the plant through the growing season.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Keller completes sweep of Boswell, on to area Avery Lawton blasted a grand slam in the first inning and drove in 5 runs to lead Keller to a 9-3 win over Fort Worth Boswell in Game 2 of their Class 6A Division 2 bi-district series on Thursday night at Saginaw High School.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Apr. 2026
-
After the inspector general completes his report, Pirro said her office will review it and could restart its criminal probe if warranted.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This investment expands the production of the Bushmaster, supports jobs, boosts sovereign capacity and enhances Australian manufacturing capabilities, standing ready to efficiently meet international demand.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Pro hairstylist Ryan Richman previously described this Briogeo cream as a lightweight, silicone-free heat-protectant cream that minimizes frizz, smooths hair, enhances shine, and protects against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complements.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complements. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
