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 key is freeing up time for core expertise, ensuring AI complements human judgment for a clear return on investment. Terdawn Deboe, Forbes.com, 29 July 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 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
Verb
The former brings rich, caramel notes, while the latter adds a lighter, floral sweetness that complements orange zest, cardamom, and cinnamon. Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026 Japan similarly complements its healthcare reforms with its own measures that enable older workers to remain economically active. Runchana Pongsaparn, Fortune, 31 July 2026 The soft almond silhouette perfectly complements the manicure’s delicate, juicy finish. Amanda Le, InStyle, 31 July 2026 While not a sunscreen, this advanced treatment serum complements any SPF routine by helping strengthen the skin barrier and support recovery from environmental stressors, including daily UV exposure. Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 According to city planning staff, the mix of home designs and elevations is intended to create visual variety throughout the neighborhood while maintaining a cohesive streetscape that complements surrounding development. Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026 An all-black interior of fine leather and door inlays complements the metallic black paint. James Raia, Mercury News, 26 July 2026 One standout is turquoise blue—a glamorous, elegant, and chic shade that perfectly complements both evening looks and modern outfits. Renata Joffre, Glamour, 25 July 2026 The animation perfectly complements its contemplative pace, drawing us deeper into its haunting world. William Earl, Variety, 25 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complements
Noun
  • What to know about the supplements people often use to help with falling asleep, jet lag, muscle tension and more.
    Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 2 Aug. 2026
  • One of Vogue’s favorite vitamin C supplements, Thorne’s Vitamin C With Flavonoids supports skin health and the vascular system, while Cymbiotika’s Liposomal Vitamin C, which also supports collagen production, has a refreshing, citrus-vanilla flavor.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Just across the sea lie North Korea, China and Russia, which all have powerful spying capacities that Japan isn’t fully equipped to fend off.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Villalobos, who has worked in the district in various capacities for 32 years, was previously the principal of Miami Springs Senior High School — one of the institutions that the district is combining with a nearby campus due to under-enrollment.
    Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • For the past two decades, Caneer has co-chaired an endowed swimming scholarship honoring his former coach, Dick Anderson, whose name also adorns the university’s swimming facility.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026
  • To be sure, the Russian space agency Roscosmos (like other space agencies) often adorns its rockets with colorful artwork and logos that may not necessarily result in payment.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 17 July 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
  • For independent restaurants facing labor shortages or high call volumes, voice AI is becoming a revenue-generating tool.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • For now, Exxon and Chevron will keep churning out record volumes of oil from the Permian Basin in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 31 July 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
  • Nothing completes a look like a satisfying swipe of the perfect lipstick.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Once Task Force Bastogne completes its border mission, the campus will remain a permanent fixture of Fort Bliss, accommodating rotating units for decades to come.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • This move significantly enhances Sky's entertainment package, allowing existing Hayu subscribers via Sky Marketplace to access it through their main Sky subscription.
    John Archer, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • How Simtriyo Works Simtriyo enhances the activity of natural chemical messengers in the brain that impact behavior, says Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, a toxicologist at MedStar Health in Washington, DC.
    Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 28 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complements.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complements. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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