complementary

adjective

ˌkäm-plə-ˈmen-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce complementary (audio)
Definition of complementarynext
as in supplementary
related to each other in such a way that one completes the other the complementary contributions of the cooking and cleanup committees were essential to the success of the church barbecue

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 complementary That shift is where IoT, and particularly LPWAN, becomes foundational rather than complementary. — Alper Yegin, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The flow of the plasma can also serve as a complementary test. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026 What the Heat need from Bam is highest-level rebounding and defense and complementary scoring. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 An increasing number of people are turning to complementary and alternative medicines. — Cara Kelly, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complementary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complementary
  1. supplementary
  2. reciprocal
  3. mutual
Adjective
  • The sleeping surface measures 82 inches (208 cm) long and is widened via slim supplementary cushions to 57 inches (145 cm) at the head by the doors, tapering to 50 inches (127 cm) at the foot between the wheel wells.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026
  • In 2024, Purja became the fastest person to summit all 14 of the peaks without supplementary oxygen.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Definition of supplementary
Adjective
  • That reciprocal impact, according to Canadian officials, will purposefully target key sectors and states — like Michigan — with particular economic and political importance in the United States.
    — Grant Schwab, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Autistic people of all genders often struggle with nuances of social communication like decoding nonverbal cues, identifying shifts in tone or asking reciprocal questions.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of reciprocal
Adjective
  • Even if that wasn’t true in every case, the mutual affection between the player and Detroit took center stage Friday, even as Skubal tamed the Tigers’ offense, recording seven strikeouts in the process.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Three years before that, Ramya and Joe had been put on a text thread by a mutual friend.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of mutual

Browse Nearby Words

complement
complementary
complemented
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Cite this Entry

“Complementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complementary. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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