Synonyms for

Complementary

Verb / ˌkɑ:mplʌˈmentri: / / ˌkɑ:mplʌˈmentʃi: / Another word for complementary — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Complementary means completing or enhancing something else.

Synonyms & similar words

completing complementarycolor complemental supplementary auxiliary cooperative supportive collaborative harmonious corresponding matching fitting suitable compatible congruous conforming consistent harmonizing balancing counterbalancing contrasting opposite antithetical

Synonyms by register

Formal

supplementary additive reciprocal completing

Informal

matching balancing going well with

Literary

harmonizing congruent

Antonyms

contrasting conflicting opposing different disparate unrelated

Common collocations

  • complementary colors
  • complementary skills
  • complementary angles
  • complementary therapies
  • complementary medicine
  • complementary goods
  • complementary approach

Word family

noun complement
verb complement
adjective complementary

Usage note

Often confused with 'complimentary' which means free or praising. 'Complementary' means something that completes or enhances something else.

Example sentences

  1. The black and white stripes on the shirt are complementary to the polka dot skirt.
  2. The salad dressing is a complementary flavor to the vegetables.
  3. The two colors are complementary on the color wheel.
  4. The music was complementary to the dance routine.
  5. The hotel provided complementary breakfast to the guests.

Quotes

  • 'I think that when you look at a lot of the great artists, there's a certain amount of playing with opposites, of having opposites coexist in a single work in a complementary way.' - John R. Neill
  • 'If you go through life convinced that your way is always best, all the new ideas in the world will pass you by.' - Morita Akio
  • 'I don't want to be in a relationship that's just about coexisting. I want to be in one where we coexist and complement each other.' - Tori Kelly

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