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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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
Noun
Not as replacements for their beloved 18-inch originals, mind you, but more like complements to them. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 25 Feb. 2026 Two, single and double bed shelter placements, mental health care, and job training are essential complements to long term supportive housing. Norman Siegel, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026 On top of giving it a premium feel, the rugged aesthetic complements the high-end engineering behind it while appealing to listeners seeking a DAP that stands out from the crowd. Stefan Ionescu february 24, New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2026 The beds’ design complements the trim on the garden shed, which is surrounded by colorful flowers. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026 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
Verb
Benevolent Venus complements rule-minded Saturn in your 11th House of Friendship, encouraging clear agreements with your teams and friends. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026 The classic circular design showcases preserved purple blooms with natural texture and a rustic yet elegant aesthetic that complements everything from French country to farmhouse decor. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2026 The fragrant foliage complements the perfume of roses and helps ward off aphids. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026 The modern extension in the rear of the 19th-century main villa is an elegantly spartan affair that somehow complements the 19th-century edifice and brings in the surrounding foliage. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Mar. 2026 For those looking to experiment subtly, Chanel’s Water-Fresh Blush delivers a sheer wash of color that complements a minimalist, no-makeup makeup approach. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026 Each hue complements the others while still standing out on its own, giving the manicure a balanced, multidimensional effect. Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026 Communities living alongside these species possess observational knowledge that complements what visiting scientists can achieve in a five-day window. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026 For grounding and emotional stability Smoky quartz is a grounding powerhouse that perfectly complements Capricorn’s earthy nature, offering equal amounts of protection and emotional stability. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complements
Noun
  • Fox has been taking supplements for nearly 20 years, and finds this one to be unique due to its comprehensive blend of powerhouse, natural ingredients.
    Emily Orofino, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Protein powders, smoothie additives, workout supplements—hard pass.
    Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But as negotiations between the two sides stalled, rivals OpenAI and Elon Musk’s xAI also agreed to deploy their models in classified capacities.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Iran, a war targeting regime change and the destruction of its nuclear capacities — laudable goals — also has the suspicious taint of being all about oil.
    Markos Kounalakis, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • Walk a bit deeper inside, and a collage of memories adorns a wall near their kitchen.
    Zach Dennis, Charlotte Observer, 3 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Travelers are advised to check with their airline or travel agent as soon as possible for information on rebooking and refunds, though passengers are reporting difficulties getting assistance because of high caller volumes.
    Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026
  • First proposed in 1959 by American physicist Richard Feynman, DNA data storage has since emerged as a potential solution for storing massive volumes of data by using nucleic acids as a medium for digital information.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The iconic Burberry pattern, which is known as the Burberry Check, decorates the sole of the shoe, adding more brand identity to the shoes.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Ink decorates her hands and wrists, poking out from under the sleeves of her gray cashmere cardigan.
    Nicola Dall'Asen, Allure, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The kid from Miami, who made a stunning rise to the Heisman Trophy and college national title in his hometown against the Hurricanes, completes the trifecta with the top pick.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026
  • The company completes flight demonstrations frequently at the Monterey Bay Academy Airport, near the coast in Watsonville.
    The Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The value of automation in improving research consistency Automation enhances research by increasing speed and consistency.
    Ascend Agency, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The key is choosing a tone that enhances your natural coloring and allows your features to lead, much like Bessette-Kennedy’s own approach to beauty.
    Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Complements.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complements. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on complements

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster