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
The soft gray-white rattan complements the tailored beige high-density comfort cushions and creates an airy backdrop for your ever-evolving collection of seasonal all-weather pillows and throws. Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026 Fabletics is evolving from its digital origins, using physical stores as strategic complements and brand destinations. Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 The vibrant shade complements just about everything—from crisp summer whites and denim to beachwear and evening looks. Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026 Rather than predicting a specific outcome, the letter calls for more research, as well as new incentives, guardrails, and institutions to ensure AI complements human workers and benefits society. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 14 July 2026 On solar and regenerative recovery, Nimtsch argues both are useful complements to stored battery energy rather than substitutes for it. IEEE Spectrum, 8 July 2026 The heat- and wear-resistant PBT keycaps can take a real beating, and the all-white backlighting complements the overall vibe quite well. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 June 2026 Cinnamon Cinnamon's warm, spicy flavor complements drinks like apple cider and baked goods like cookies, pumpkin pie, and sweet bread. Jillian Kubala, Health, 9 June 2026 Other interventions, like non-surgical or surgical skin tightening procedures, can be helpful complements, too. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
The rich flavor of the root complements the other ingredients. Michiko Tomioka, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026 Available in eight shades across neutral and warm undertones, there’s plenty of room to find a finish that complements your complexion. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 The refractory atomizer complements a suite of atomizers at Ames Lab. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026 This dynamic complements the friendly camaraderie between Maki and Omura, the former of whom is a bubbly girl and the latter a more laidback, blue-skinned male humanoid with horns. George Yang, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The crunchy nuttiness from the almonds complements the crisp freshness of a good apple. Jennifer Berger, Verywell Health, 31 Aug. 2026 Huffman says Hale Navy complements many popular design elements from warm woods to natural stone and multiple finishes like brass, polished nickel, and black. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2026 The bar program complements this fusion, offering cocktails like the Lima, which pairs Peruvian pisco with local Sóller lemons. Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2026 That being said, Herndon’s voice complements those of his subjects, rather than drowning them out. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complements
Noun
  • And a lot of people take energy supplements, including just about every player on tour.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • As the recall notice explains, yohimbine is an alkaloid from the bark of the yohimbe tree, usually used for erectile dysfunction in prescription medications, not over-the-counter supplements.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Each of the ships are designed to feel like private yachts—Windstar’s sailing ships have guest capacities of just 148 and 342 passengers for an ultra-exclusive and boutique atmosphere.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
  • In deal that showcases the short story as a dominant form of source material, Netflix has picked Understudy, a hot TV package that has Steven Yeun and Phil Lord and Chris Miller attached in various capacities.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The story of Sue and Ron Wilson's life together, happily spanning 60 years, adorns their apartment.
    Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Being the kind of person who adorns themselves compulsively opens you up to a slew of corny metaphors that, against your will, feel deeply relevant to you.
    Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Many that have identifiable biological correlates and are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality — including loneliness, aging, and chronic stress — are not typically understood as diseases.
    Max Moser, STAT, 9 July 2026
  • Emerging research suggests those experiences may have measurable biological correlates.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • As a more permanent legacy, the museum has produced companion volumes for each of the three itineraries introduced in 2022, 2024, and 2026.
    Ingrid D. Rowland, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026
  • No additional rail volumes were being accepted Thursday, while Friday capacity was listed as very high.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The print decorates a semi-sheer collarless evening jacket, an ideal day-to-night piece, according to Brock.
    Ari Stark, Footwear News, 22 July 2026
  • The painting that decorates the ceiling, Apollo Slaying the Serpent Python, was created by the artist Eugène Delacroix.
    News Desk, Artforum, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • More of them could soon manifest — especially if Carlos Correa completes his unexpected comeback from left ankle surgery.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Mercury is about 36 million miles (58 million kilometers) from the sun on average, and completes one orbit around our star every 88 days, according to NASA.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Most of us love the ways technology enhances our connection with family, friends and colleagues in ways once unimaginable.
    Nadine Hack, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Adding water inside the aluminum eggs further enhances the armor’s performance.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complements.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complements. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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