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
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Recent Examples of complementary
To bring some order to these efforts, organizers can imagine a triangle representing complementary goals.
—
Juliette Kayyem, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Yes, the Heat are developing a nice element of complementary talent.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
Colorado has three first-line centers in MacKinnon, Kadri, and Nelson, the best defenseman in the world, and a supporting cast that is so deep in star power that Necas, Gabe Landeskog, and Artturi Lehkonen get discussed as complementary players.
—Peter Baugh, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The shade plays particularly well with a bright white like Behr’s French Chateau White to create clean, complementary contrast.
—Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complementary
Juliette Kayyem, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Yes, the Heat are developing a nice element of complementary talent.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
Colorado has three first-line centers in MacKinnon, Kadri, and Nelson, the best defenseman in the world, and a supporting cast that is so deep in star power that Necas, Gabe Landeskog, and Artturi Lehkonen get discussed as complementary players.
—Peter Baugh, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The shade plays particularly well with a bright white like Behr’s French Chateau White to create clean, complementary contrast.
—Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complementary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complementary
Adjective
-
In addition to the countertop surrounding the rectangular sink complete with flip-up extension on the main block, a supplementary counter block tops the refrigerator behind the wet bath on the driver's side.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 Apr. 2026
-
That duo helped carry Purdue to the national title game two years ago in a floor-spacing supplementary role around Edey.—
Christian Babcock,
Mercury News,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
When the queen visited in 1976, British officials discussed whether to invite Carter, then the likely Democratic nominee, to the reciprocal dinner at the British Embassy to meet her.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
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Stefanishyna envisions a reciprocal partnership with Washington, in which each side can provide the other with critical assistance.—
Trudy Rubin,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As their mutual competitiveness grows shockingly ugly, Niall learns to turn Ruben’s Samsonian strength and fury against him, knocking down the pillars of Ruben’s own life.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
-
In the ensuring weeks, Tehran and Washington launched mutual blockades on the waterway, with Iran attacking non-allied vessels and the US targeting ships from Iranian ports.—
Alayna Treene,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complementary. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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