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complementary

Combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of another. / Combining to form a complete or whole set.
Adjective

This word describes a relationship of mutual completion where two distinct elements fill each other's gaps. It evokes a sense of synergy, where the total effect is greater than the sum of the individual parts. It is frequently used in professional, artistic, or scientific contexts to describe a perfect fit or a balanced pairing.

Users must be careful not to confuse this with complimentary, which refers to praise or free items. While they sound identical, complementary is about structural or functional wholeness, whereas complimentary is about generosity or admiration.

Meanings

Adjective

Combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of another.

The two singers have complementary voices that sound perfect together.

Adjective

Combining to form a complete or whole set.

The two angles are complementary because they add up to ninety degrees.

Examples

They have complementary skills.

These colors are complementary.

We are complementary partners.

The two teams have complementary goals.

Their styles are complementary and work well.

We found complementary pieces for the puzzle.

Their complementary strengths make them a great couple.

Romance

The two medicines have complementary effects on health.

Health

We need complementary software to run this program.

Office

The merger succeeded due to their complementary assets.

Business

These two historical accounts provide complementary perspectives.

History

The theory relies on two complementary mathematical principles.

Trivia

Related Words

reciprocalcorrespondingintegrativematchingconflictingincompatibleclashingcontradictorycomplementsynergysymmetrysupplementaryduality
Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error