1
as in auxiliary
available to supply something extra when needed
the teacher's edition of the textbook comes with a lot of supplementary material
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in complementary
related to each other in such a way that one completes the other
regards theology and philosophy as supplementary fields of study
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 supplementary
Despite these challenges, petalite is emerging as a promising supplementary resource to help diversify lithium supply chains and support long-term energy transition goals.
—
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
State lawmakers have set up potential supplementary funding from a car rental fee and oil and gas companies.
—Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
The Taiwanese defense ministry said the sale — comprising artillery systems, antitank missiles, as well as spare parts for helicopters and antiship missiles — falls under the $40 billion supplementary defense budget announced by President Lai Ching-te in November.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2025
So Sacco depicts both variations, while drawing out their disjunctions through commentary and supplementary reporting.
—Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for supplementary
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
State lawmakers have set up potential supplementary funding from a car rental fee and oil and gas companies.
—Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
The Taiwanese defense ministry said the sale — comprising artillery systems, antitank missiles, as well as spare parts for helicopters and antiship missiles — falls under the $40 billion supplementary defense budget announced by President Lai Ching-te in November.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2025
So Sacco depicts both variations, while drawing out their disjunctions through commentary and supplementary reporting.
—Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for supplementary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supplementary
Adjective
-
Morgen produced the album and played on practically every track, contributing nearly all the auxiliary instrumentation that allows Buckaroo’s simple acoustic core to bloom.—
David Glickman,
Pitchfork,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The generator is designed as an auxiliary or primary power source for satellites operating where solar energy is unreliable or insufficient.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In addition to tables and seating, look for complementary pieces like umbrellas, weighted bases, side tables, plant stands, and potting benches.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
15 Feb. 2026
-
For example, purple and yellow are frequently used in a complementary, contrasting color scheme.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Furthermore, prosecutors noted that Knox may have had access to additional county money through her service on the volunteer board of the local Crossroads Foundation, which helps women with substance use disorders.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Moderna said while the FDA had recommended that approach, the agency ultimately agreed to the study's design -- and the company shared additional comparison data from a separate trial that used a high-dose shot for older people.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This frees me up to prioritize both myself and the friends who are reciprocal in their time, effort, and energy.—
Rebecca Fearn,
SELF,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Later this year, United and JetBlue's elite frequent flyers will start receiving reciprocal loyalty benefits from both airlines, including priority boarding and preferred and extra legroom seating.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Pregnant women in rural and low-income communities could benefit from subsidies for fresh produce, or supplemental nutrition assistance.—
Alex Crisp,
The Conversation,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Traditional Medicare has significant out-of-pocket costs, and those without supplemental insurance can face bills that eat up a large share of limited retirement income.—
Sreedhar Potarazu,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Our daughter and her husband invited us to build an accessory dwelling unit on their property.—
Liz Weston,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Giving a worn accessory new life brings a sense of satisfaction while keeping it out of the landfill.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Supplementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supplementary. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
