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
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Recent Examples of complementing
The intent is to help clients stay grounded and prepared as decisions progress, complementing the legal work without overshadowing it.
—
Nia Bowers, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, for her 2011 wedding to Prince William, the Cartier Halo Tiara offered a notably understated and modern take on royal bridal jewelry, perfectly complementing the elegant refinement of Kate’s Alexander McQueen gown.
—Eloise Moran, InStyle, 31 Mar. 2026
Tucked deeper into nature than its older sibling in Windham, Eastwind Oliverea Valley derives its special sauce from its harmony with its surroundings, complementing rather than taking away from the landscape.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Jammy berries are fruity and bright, complementing the rich chocolate pudding, topped with a cool and creamy layer that’s a refreshing contrast.
—Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
For this easy one-layer snacking cake, Marmite is the secret ingredient in the dark chocolate ganache, amplifying the natural fruitiness of dark chocolate and complementing the cardamom, coffee, and orange flavors in the cake.
—Kristen Hartke, Saveur, 12 Mar. 2026
The jungle atmosphere of the outdoor dining space at Jose Luis Hinostroza's award-winning Arca feels both rich and raw, perfectly complementing the food that highlights local ingredients and traditions and uses fire as a key element for flavor.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026
Instead of thinking of the bathtub as competing with the shower, view it as complementing it.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2026
Though the Prime Video TV series and the video games share continuity, the show tends to stay in its own lane, either complementing or adding to the overall lore of the source material.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026
Nia Bowers, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, for her 2011 wedding to Prince William, the Cartier Halo Tiara offered a notably understated and modern take on royal bridal jewelry, perfectly complementing the elegant refinement of Kate’s Alexander McQueen gown.
—Eloise Moran, InStyle, 31 Mar. 2026
Tucked deeper into nature than its older sibling in Windham, Eastwind Oliverea Valley derives its special sauce from its harmony with its surroundings, complementing rather than taking away from the landscape.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Jammy berries are fruity and bright, complementing the rich chocolate pudding, topped with a cool and creamy layer that’s a refreshing contrast.
—Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
For this easy one-layer snacking cake, Marmite is the secret ingredient in the dark chocolate ganache, amplifying the natural fruitiness of dark chocolate and complementing the cardamom, coffee, and orange flavors in the cake.
—Kristen Hartke, Saveur, 12 Mar. 2026
The jungle atmosphere of the outdoor dining space at Jose Luis Hinostroza's award-winning Arca feels both rich and raw, perfectly complementing the food that highlights local ingredients and traditions and uses fire as a key element for flavor.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026
Instead of thinking of the bathtub as competing with the shower, view it as complementing it.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2026
Though the Prime Video TV series and the video games share continuity, the show tends to stay in its own lane, either complementing or adding to the overall lore of the source material.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complementing
Verb
-
England, who spent years working in hospitality, as well as in retail management, has dreamed of opening her own place for years and spent two years preparing Kaos by obtaining permits, a liquor license, preparing the kitchen and thoughtfully decorating.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
2 Apr. 2026
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And that's cumulative, including the time spent decorating and the time spent hiding during the Easter egg hunt.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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During the Catholic holiday of Palm Sunday, hundreds of pajareros from across the country flock to Mexico City and decorate 10-foot-tall stacks of cages, adorning them with bright flowers, tinsel and images of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico’s patron saint.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
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The star adorning the space above 6 o’clock also harks back to 1950s timepieces from Omega.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Christopherson, a Star resident, is wrapping up his third year as principal of Hunter Elementary in Meridian after completing his principal internship at Star and Willow Creek elementary schools.—
Noah Daly,
Idaho Statesman,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Gorman was reportedly only a few months away from completing her freshman year.—
Sophia Compton,
FOXNews.com,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Applications will load faster and files will be easier to move, enhancing your workspeed.—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
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Brine, a mixture of water and salt, proved effective at inhibiting spoilage while enhancing the flavor of food.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complementing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complementing. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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