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
The nutty flavor is mild and complements yogurt, smoothies and salads. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026 Traditional outdoor TVs, with thick bezels and industrial housings, often disrupt that balance, becoming visual anchors rather than complements. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 20 Jan. 2026 Economics teaches us that when a resource becomes cheap and abundant, the value shifts to its complements. Erik Brynjolfsson, Time, 2 Jan. 2026 The team says that natural compounds with fewer side effects could offer alternatives or complements in future therapies. FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025 Grille fabric complements in black and gray or light beige. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 21 Dec. 2025 The coalition’s education drive complements the commission’s research by preparing the community to understand and support whatever proposals eventually emerge. J.m. Banks november 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2025 The dark chocolate hue complements most decor styles and is both trendy and timeless, plus the deep seat is supported with no-sag springs for better support. Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025 The wide, vintage look not only complements everyday outfits with a sweater or T-shirt, but can also be worn with an elegant top and blazer to evening events. Katharina Fuchs, Glamour, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
This traditional design complements many home styles, including Colonial, Victorian and modern homes. Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026 The strap is Saffiano leather, known for its distinctive cross-hatch pattern, a brown color that complements the warm gold case and mineral dial. Carol Besler, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026 Clubhouse is a more casual, sporty expression of the White & Warren woman that still feels intentional and elevated — an in-between collection that complements the brand’s timeless core. Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026 Contrast the high-tech look of a large TV with a stand that complements your decor. Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026 Toyota complements the diesel engine with a motor-generator, lithium-ion battery and DC-DC converter in a layout that was designed for modest efficiency and emissions improvements while also promoting a quieter, smoother and more refined ride overall, particularly when starting up and accelerating. New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026 Lim’s approach complements the ethos of the festival’s annual neighborhood tour, which presents free, family-friendly shows in community venues across the city. Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026 The Ultra Skyrise Wide-leg Pants by Wit & Wisdom, now 30 percent off, offer a timeless, flowy design that complements any look on or off the clock. Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026 Bonus points for selecting a color that complements your top. Lindy Segal, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complements
Noun
  • There are also a near-infinite number of supplements that claim to boost immune function.
    Outside, Outside, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Persistent fatigue or lack of energy affects as many as 45% of people in the United States, making energy supplements a popular source for relief.
    Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • He’s toured through Connecticut many times before in a number of different capacities.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Those who exit the military often continue their public service in different capacities.
    Michael Szalma, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Walk a bit deeper inside, and a collage of memories adorns a wall near their kitchen.
    Zach Dennis, Charlotte Observer, 3 Dec. 2025
  • Now on at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue (the limited season ends on Saturday), an illuminated image of Shields as Dunne adorns the marquee.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 27 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • In autonomous tests, the robot unscrews bottle caps, extracts individual pills from organizers despite occlusion, dispenses precise syringe volumes under variable resistance, and selects small metal parts from cluttered containers.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026
  • In April, the US tariff shock sent average volumes above €1 billion per day for the first time, XTX said.
    Anna Irrera, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The spectacle, which decorates the eastern edge of El Capitan, requires relatively clear skies and ample water from winter snowmelt.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2026
  • Zohran Mamdani has just moved in, and considering the thoughtful aesthetic details of his campaign—which his stylish first lady, artist Rama Duwaji, had a hand in designing—we’re pining for a look at how the couple decorates their new digs.
    Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • After a bloody final battle, Clarisse (Dior Goodjohn) finally completes her quest and heals Thalia’s tree with the Golden Fleece.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Taylor Swift enters the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Vice President JD Vance makes a major life announcement, and Indiana completes its transformation from basketball school to football powerhouse.
    Melinda Yao, NBC news, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Heather Rose explains how living quietly enhances her writing.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • More critically, this is another update where Apple enhances iOS 26.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complements.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complements. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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