complement 1 of 2

noun

ˈkäm-plə-mənt How to pronounce complement (audio)
Definition of complementnext
1
as in supplement
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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

complement

2 of 2

verb

ˈkäm-plə-ˌment How to pronounce complement (audio)
as in to adorn
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 complement
Noun
While other suitors offered him the chance for more touches, Pryor wanted to give the Gators a game-changing complement to star tailback Jadan Baugh. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026 Throw pillows are a great complement to throw blankets and an easy way to elevate your furniture. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
As friends and family gathered in black-tie attire, Billie Eilish had the honor of officiating her brother’s wedding ceremony while rocking a plunging corset dress that beautifully complemented the storybook landscape. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026 In Your Home That mismatched dresser that didn’t complement the rest of your bedroom set may be just the thing your entryway needs. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complement
  1. supplement
  2. capacity
  3. adorn
  4. volume
  5. enhance
  6. real estate
  7. complete
  8. decorate
Noun
  • The co-founder of FIZZNESS, a wellness supplement company, was spotted at Strahan’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2023 and attended Isabella’s high school graduation that same year.
    — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The collagen supplement people are adding to coffee and smoothies Many kids aren't getting enough protein.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of supplement
Noun
  • Goldman’s model assumes SMIC will add between 30,000 and 50,000 advanced-node wafers in monthly capacity each year from 2026 through 2031.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Furthermore, relationships themselves teach basic psychological capacities such as regulating emotions, tolerating disappointment, and negotiating differences—skills which therapy is supposed to cultivate.
    — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of capacity
Verb
  • But the very act of putting on a wearable—of willingly adorning oneself with a tiny computerized narc—is an act of surrender.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The politician proposed with a glamorous three-stone engagement ring adorned with diamonds, emeralds, and rubies.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of adorn
Noun
  • China’s chip self-sufficiency rate reached roughly 70% by production volume in June, compared with 38% in January 2010, according to Goldman.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Tubes drawn from a patient's arm travel a track that centrifuges them, checks the sample volume and quality and then routes them to whichever analyzer needs them and archives what's left, without the need for a technician.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of volume
Verb
  • Meta agreed to impose changes including a default two-hour daily time limit for teens across Facebook and Instagram, muted notifications during school hours, and enhanced parental controls, with more updates potentially on the horizon.
    — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Leaders must prioritize building cognitive and identity infrastructure, focusing on *how* people think and their self-authorship, ensuring AI enhances human judgment rather than standardizing it.
    — Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of enhance
Noun
  • Which of these adults will have their real estate crimes interrupted by those meddling kids and their puppy?
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • With all the new money flowing into South Florida real estate, can the theater attract a buyer and recapture the magic?
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of real estate
Verb
  • The deal with Porsche will be effective once the Indian software giant completes the acquisition of MHP, which employs around 4,500 people.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Forward Romain Esse had been nearing a move to Club Brugge but that deal has not been completed.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of complete
Verb
  • The walls are decorated with memories, paintings and artwork, like needlework from his wife that depicts cats in their leisure time.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Over the course of two long and decorated MLB careers — which includes Heyward’s five Gold Gloves, Freeman’s 10 All-Star selections, and five World Series rings between the two of them — their paths diverged and reconnected multiple times.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of decorate

Browse Nearby Words

compleat
complement
complementary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Complement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complement. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on complement

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about complement

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