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

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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

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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

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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 complement
Noun
Thanks to their timeless, ageless look, the slip-ons complement any ensemble, from easy loungewear to elevated denim. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 12 Oct. 2026 For the first three years of his NFL career, Bijan Robinson relished the connection, camaraderie and complement of backfield partner Tyler Allgeier. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
Uber has previously said its robots are intended to complement human delivery workers rather than replace them. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 Do the games of Antetokounmpo and Adebayo complement each other? — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complement
Noun
  • Looking a bit further down the line, Capsum hopes to move into producing nutraceuticals and other supplements.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Hwang also cautions against turning to quick fixes found online, such as supplements and restrictive diets.
    — Lauren Finney Harden, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The additional site will further strengthen the company’s manufacturing network in Colorado and provide additional capacity for its growing space and sensor systems business.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The massive 5,942-lb (2,695 kg) weight is somewhat disguised by a system that swaps traditional mechanical anti-roll bars for triple-stage adjustable air springs linked to a high-capacity central hydraulic pressure reservoir.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Hiding his Caesar cut under his signature New York Yankees cap and adorned with a glittery stack of gold chains, JAY-Z kept his setlist as tight as his concert attire of bulletproof vests.
    — Adelle Platon, VIBE.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • For the closing set, according to a photo posted on X and various videos, the legendary rocker was lifted onto the stage while seated on a black throne adorned with skulls and topped with a black bat.
    — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Testing 300,000 battery designs At the center of the new platform is lithium manganese-rich (LMR) battery technology, which GM is developing for its high-volume electric vehicles.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Turn the volume up and that pinhole dilates, revealing swirling galaxies of vocal harmonies, upright bass plucks, and cascading piano runs.
    — Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Throughout history, some were commissioned to enhance the interiors with their signature flair while others bartered their artwork for breaks on daily rates and others simply just thrived off the scene.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Each picture mode offers essentially the same rich set of options, except for AI-enhanced, which locks you out of some settings (including local contrast and color tuner), presumably because the AI logic is handling those.
    — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • By contrast, below that elite, real estate is a much more important component of wealth, while corporate equity is a smaller and smaller share.
    — Markus Schneider, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Tal and Oren were luxury real estate agents in New York and Miami, while Alon worked for his father’s security company in Miami.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Pair it with the matching Cherry Check toaster and flameless dinner candles to complete the look from the kitchen to the dining room—after all, each piece is on clearance.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The team also completed a critical-design review, another milestone in preparing the technology for delivery.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • After the last one is opened, use the set to bake cookies for Santa and decorate them on Christmas Eve, then take the extras along to your holiday gathering.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Rooms There are 93 rooms and suites—including two penthouses—decorated with plenty of personality.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complement. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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