complements 1 of 2

plural of complement
1
as in supplements
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 capacities
the largest number or amount that something can hold a full complement of sailors on the ship

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complements

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of complement
as in adorns
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 complements
Noun
China and Russia have both built terrestrial complements to their satellite navigation systems, creating layered resilience that the United States still lacks. Mariam Sorond, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The heat- and wear-resistant PBT keycaps can take a real beating, and the all-white backlighting complements the overall vibe quite well. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 June 2026 Cinnamon Cinnamon's warm, spicy flavor complements drinks like apple cider and baked goods like cookies, pumpkin pie, and sweet bread. Jillian Kubala, Health, 9 June 2026 Other interventions, like non-surgical or surgical skin tightening procedures, can be helpful complements, too. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Apr. 2026 Best of all, these eclectic complements come in all shapes and sizes—from modern designs by contemporary artists and local artisans to collectible porcelains resold by vintage dealers. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2026 Make sure the music stays in the background and complements, not competes with, the conversation. Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 20 Apr. 2026 The programming lineup complements previously announced selections, including narrative and documentary feature films, exclusive screenings and world premieres, sneak peaks and red-carpet premieres. Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026 The oversized shape comes in a variation of colors, but the classic black complements Kravitz's edgy aesthetic while offering plenty of room for workday essentials. Amanda Le, InStyle, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
Known for building a global brand rooted in food, energy, and authenticity, Fieri brings a perspective that complements Legacy Motor Club's evolution into a modern motorsports organization that resonates far beyond the track. Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Crucially, the country excels at connecting academia—with top-tier universities that produce world-class research which complements technical universities that provide specialized apprenticeships—and the private sector. Alois Zwinggi, Time, 24 June 2026 Fresh sage and lime zest add an unexpected touch that complements the sugary sweetness of the berries. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 23 June 2026 Everyone needs a pair of white sneakers in their closet, a staple that complements endless outfits. Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 23 June 2026 The varied edges and hues create an unfussy aesthetic that complements the other materials within the design, including wood planters, a metal table, wicker chairs, and plants. Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 23 June 2026 Our work complements beautifully the extraordinary work that has already been done by the producers, sales agents and distributors of Mike Leigh’s films over the years. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 22 June 2026 Senesi, whose instinct is to win the ball high, complements his game more naturally, as does Kevin Danso, who ended the season excellently and should not be overlooked. Elias Burke, New York Times, 20 June 2026 The factory complements Joby’s existing propeller manufacturing facility at the Dayton International Airport, which has been open since October 2025. Randy Tucker, USA Today, 15 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complements
Noun
  • Acting on a shaky result carries real downsides too, from needless restrictive diets to unnecessary supplements.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • At-home microbiome tests and fiber supplements have people looking at their gut more closely than ever.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • More than a language, Webster gave American writers a certain belief in their capacities for language.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
  • In the near term the company is planning to advance commercial-scale REE refining with capacities ranging from 100 to 1,000 tons per year.
    Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Co-Space has become known for the visual art that adorns its walls, and Byrd created a blue-and-white painting at the center.
    Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
  • Other clocks are affixed to a structure, like the clocks at Union Station, or the clock that adorns the archway into Little Village.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Emerging research suggests those experiences may have measurable biological correlates.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 17 June 2026
  • The state office is mandated to report to the legislature on missing persons and homicide cases, along with the correlates of domestic violence and human trafficking.
    Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The taxing nature of executive roles, coupled with constant travel, high decision volumes, and immense stress, necessitates robust physical capacity.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 24 June 2026
  • The best hair transplant clinics in Turkey run high volumes, which means their teams handle follicular unit work every day and maintain strict safety standards for screening and aftercare.
    Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Most folks associate the name with the beautiful and unique desert plant which decorates the landscape in the southern most section of central California.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • The sandals are embellished with the signature Ribbon buckle, which decorates a dainty strap that wraps delicately around the ankle.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Some racks can be left inside the oven during a self-clean cycle and wiped clean after the cycle completes.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 27 June 2026
  • Details like these have a direct influence on whether a customer completes the purchase and returns.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Sharper battlefield awareness Teledyne FLIR said the software enhances image quality using computational imaging techniques such as turbulence mitigation, dehazing, and super-resolution.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026
  • The workflow also has extensibility to a variety of other agentic use cases, including the company’s Chat Concierge tool which enhances the customer experience for car buyers and dealers.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complements.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complements. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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