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
Fabletics is evolving from its digital origins, using physical stores as strategic complements and brand destinations. Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 The vibrant shade complements just about everything—from crisp summer whites and denim to beachwear and evening looks. Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 Aug. 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 Make sure the music stays in the background and complements, not competes with, the conversation. Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
Huffman says Hale Navy complements many popular design elements from warm woods to natural stone and multiple finishes like brass, polished nickel, and black. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2026 The bar program complements this fusion, offering cocktails like the Lima, which pairs Peruvian pisco with local Sóller lemons. Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2026 Whether your game day food lineup includes staples such as barbecue and burgers or wings and hot dogs, rosé complements both smoky flavors and spicy dishes while remaining light enough to enjoy outdoors. Katie Kelly Bell, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026 That being said, Herndon’s voice complements those of his subjects, rather than drowning them out. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026 Considering that Laura Geller Beauty prides itself on creating makeup that complements mature skin—lip lines and all—we’re not surprised about how well this lipstick performs. Jenny Berg, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026 The center found young people find comfort and connection in such content that complements, rather than replaces, in-person community. Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 Experts recommend choosing a kitchen cabinet style that complements the house’s architecture. The Spruce, 5 Aug. 2026 Like the ever-popular Shark ChillPill, this device has a sleek metallic finish that actually complements a good outfit instead of cramping your style. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complements
Noun
  • The protein building blocks can have anti-inflammatory and muscle-building properties – though studies and safety analyses of their benefits and efficacy as supplements or injections vary widely.
    Cara Kelly, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
  • County Extension Services in every state provide a lab to analyze soil samples and prepare a report on what supplements may be needed for healthy seed germination and growth.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Other explanations understand the many heads and arms as expressions of the gods and their capacities displayed through the visual language of iconography.
    Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Both Slavin and Korte received approval to participate in their personal capacities in the CBS News interview, which was filmed at Stars and Stripes’ newsroom June 26 and aired July 5.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The story of Sue and Ron Wilson's life together, happily spanning 60 years, adorns their apartment.
    Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Being the kind of person who adorns themselves compulsively opens you up to a slew of corny metaphors that, against your will, feel deeply relevant to you.
    Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 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
  • The fast-casual model also depended on higher volumes at smaller margins.
    Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The trees would absorb enormous volumes of water, thrive in the sandy soil and slow coastal erosion.
    Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 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
  • Once the firm completes the second modular part and integrates the two units, the crane will reach its full 14,000-ton lifting capacity.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Divya Dutta completes the principal trio, with Sukant Goel also in the cast.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Packed with potent ingredients like isopropyl cloprostenate, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, this formula nurtures and enhances your brows from the root.
    Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Gay, who is borderline to make the 53-man roster even with a high number of LB injuries, has seen his special teams participation increase recently, which enhances his chances of making the final roster.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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