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
Rahman said head spas are generally fine as a complement to actual medical treatments, and for people who simply enjoy them. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026 Jodie Woods served as a bright complement to her sister’s gold look, wearing a pink Alberta Ferretti evening gown that features a distinctive, theatrical floor-length cape detail integrated into a sleek silhouette with a high-leg slit. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
Canada’s artificial intelligence talent, research capabilities, and energy resources complement those of the United States, just as its resources and manufacturing did in the twentieth century. — Robert B. Zoellick, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026 Purple ankle-strap heels can add a unique touch to any little black dress, or use them to complement shades of eggplant. — Nuria Luis, Glamour, 9 Oct. 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
  • This growth is driven by increasing demand for natural food colors, color-changing beverages, health supplements, and organic skin care products.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The development comes after Klitschko, a former boxer, filed a supplement this week to his September guardianship petition, claiming a non-family member had sold some of Panettiere's possessions, including jewelry, to a pawn shop.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of supplement
Noun
  • But can a single supplier, no matter how competent and experienced, possibly be relied upon to deliver such a critical part of both forces’ future warfighting capacity?
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2026
  • High-ambition leaders building a new model of development deserve a high-ambition international financial system with the capacity to enable them to get there.
    — Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of capacity
Verb
  • Pieces of fish are hand sliced to the ideal thickness and length, and beautifully adorned with garnishes that dazzle the eye and strategically heighten every bite.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Designed by Mouawad, the extravagant set included a bra, thong, garter, bracelet, and hair clip adorned with nearly 9,000 diamonds and colorful gemstones, taking over 880 hours to create.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of adorn
Noun
  • The bulk of the population actually engages in a rather high volume of daily digital reading--captions, emails, text and chat messages, news feeds, search results, etc.
    — Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Under federal law, some online marketplaces must verify identifying information from certain high-volume third-party sellers and provide consumers with a mechanism for reporting suspicious marketplace activity.
    — Andrew Yockey, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of volume
Verb
  • Pierce and Kember were born in the same place on the same day, a lore-enhancing coincidence too stupid to make up.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Here will be the makings of an 85-acre live-work-play sector of the city that theoretically will seamlessly nestle into a neighborhood and enhance everything from The Crossroads Arts District to Union Station and the National WWI Museum & Memorial.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of enhance
Noun
  • Commercial real estate revenue dipped 1% year over year due to lower capital markets activity.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Music’s mainstream is also currently less hospitable to hip-hop than its been in years past, leaving real estate up for grabs (Drake is the only rapper to post a top 10 Hot 100 hit as a lead artist in 2026).
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of real estate
Verb
  • When asked about potential trust issues, Al Hassan pointed to the government’s history of completing projects and handling emergencies, like the pandemic.
    — Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Add us as a Google Preferred Source Jenni Kayne, the nearly 25-year-old California lifestyle brand, is getting into the denim business, which completes its vision for full-wardrobe dressing.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of complete
Verb
  • Kitted out like a beachhouse, the exhibition stand is decorated with the show’s classic red life preservers, surfboards and even a lifeguard’s hut on the patio.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • On the day of the scavenger hunt, the team hides its creations around town, while ravenous worm-hunters eagerly await their first hint of where a ceramic worm decorated to look like a pickle, or a crayon, or a rainbow dinosaur, can be found.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of decorate

Browse Nearby Words

compleat
complement
complementary
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Cite this Entry

“Complement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complement. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about complement

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