complements 1 of 2

Definition of complementsnext
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
Other interventions, like non-surgical or surgical skin tightening procedures, can be helpful complements, too. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Apr. 2026 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
Verb
Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, there's likely a heuchera that complements your hydrangea's blooms perfectly. Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 21 May 2026 The design complements the old Western town style of buildings previously approved in Ramona, Ardigo said. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026 Quilting competes with my writing—there are, after all, only so many hours in a day—but like reading it also complements it. Literary Hub, 19 May 2026 The soft material complements a base that also evokes folds and ribbon-like loops in clay. Anthony Paletta, Curbed, 17 May 2026 The hope is that the Grove complements the existing amenities. Jessica Riley, CBS News, 17 May 2026 Consider your door's location, natural light, and surrounding features to find a color that complements your home. Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 16 May 2026 Transforming over informing Two thousand years after Enheduanna, Plato and his student Aristotle offered another influential view of writing – one that complements hers. Ryan Leack, The Conversation, 14 May 2026 Universal Khaki, a classic mid-tone beige, is a beautiful foundational color choice, one that easily complements accent trim and front doors painted in deep greens, navy blues, or espresso tones. Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 11 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complements
Noun
  • The practice grew beyond surgery into peptides, hyperbaric therapy, diagnostics, hormone care, supplements and recovery services.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
  • Kardashian, 45, boasted about her impressive wellness routine, which includes 35 supplements each day.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Anyone seeking a full understanding of Mary will benefit from reading her correspondence, published in 1972; the letters, however peculiar in their observations and punctuation, reveal the intellectual capacities of a woman often seen wholly in terms of her emotions.
    Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • All our political capacities are given over to this one monopoly of the nation-state, which has stripped us of every other kind.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Entry comes with a tug on the giant calligraphy brush that adorns the doorway.
    Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
  • His face adorns a banner at the Department of Justice’s headquarters, among others.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 May 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
  • Reconomy also suggested that companies work with other entities in their sector to aggregate textile waste to reach volumes that will be sufficient to make recycling economically viable.
    Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
  • As a reminder, that metric for national income measures the physical volumes of goods and services produced.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Among the first illustrators Vicki represented was Robert Grossman, who eventually became Annie’s dad — his art still decorates the walls.
    Anne Kadet, Curbed, 15 May 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • So much that was hidden now completes the whole.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
  • Every staff member completes state and federal background checks on an annual basis and a 40-plus-hour orientation before working directly with students, with ongoing training reinforced weekly and through quarterly and annual specialized instruction.
    Samantha Rappaport, CBS News, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • This process enhances nutrient absorption and eases the strain on your digestive system.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 18 May 2026
  • The lower operating pressure reduces mechanical stress and minimizes the risk of containment failure, which enhances the safety profile of the system compared to conventional light-water reactors.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complements.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complements. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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