complementing

verb

present participle of complement
as in decorating
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

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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 complementing The brand said complementing the denim lineup is a range of cut-and-sew apparel and accessories spotlighting the collections’ craftmanship and heritage. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 Articles, images, stray clippings, as well as my own painting and drawing end up filling the pages, often conflicting and complementing each other. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 Edebiri’s dangling earrings also provided a welcome pop of color, with their wine-hue complementing her berry lipstick. — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 To that end, the best apron should be durable and stain-resistant enough for everyday wear, but also chic enough to don for a dinner party, capable of both protecting and complementing your cutest outfit. — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026 Her fashion choices are just as much a part of the package, with a wardrobe of sparkling, barely-there separates and statement boots complementing her signature bright pink hair. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2026 Not to mention an elite player to build around in Bowers, all complementing what defensive end Maxx Crosby brings to the defense. — Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026 The Bears finished with 54 carries for 232 yards, with starter D’Andre Swift complementing Monangai’s big day with 58 yards on 15 carries. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Stone and wood run from the exterior to the interior, complementing the alpine surroundings. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complementing
  1. decorating
  2. adorning
  3. completing
  4. enhancing
Verb
  • The person buried there is believed to have belonged to the Linear Pottery culture — named for the distinctive spiral and wavy patterns decorating its pottery.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The city is also bringing back its Halloween decorating contest to see which blocks can have the most Halloween spirit.
    — Jack Springgate, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of decorating
Verb
  • Tourism picks up Whether arriving from within Chile or overseas, tourists are venturing into the remote, inhospitable areas of the Atacama to admire the millions of flowers adorning vast areas of the desert, stretching from the coast to the horizon.
    — Nayara Batschke, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Growing up thousands of miles away from the Hollywood sign in Bratislava, Slovakia, ADÉLA spent her childhood studying American pop stars and had posters of Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande and Britney Spears adorning her bedroom walls.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of adorning
Verb
  • China has launched 258 Qianfan satellites over a series of missions since 2024, on the way to completing an initial constellation of 1,296 satellites, with longer-term ambitions of more than 15,000.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Reno, twice the Ivy Player of the Week already this season, misfired on more passes than not this time, completing 15 of 38 for 105 yards, two second-half touchdowns, and one interception.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of completing
Verb
  • Among the felony charges Textor faces are five counts of fraud against a financial institution, 13 counts of forgery, two counts of counterfeiting, five counts of fraud and seven counts of fraud with enhancing circumstances.
    — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Despite this, national reports indicate continued use of performance- and appearance-enhancing drugs, and increasing interest in them.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of enhancing

Browse Nearby Words

complemented
complementing
complements
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Cite this Entry

“Complementing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complementing. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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