Meaning & use
complementary
Last updated
combining well with something else to enhance or complete it.
See it in a sentence
The chef paired the dish with a complementary wine that brought out its flavors.
Their skill sets are complementary: she handles the design while he manages the finances.
A note on using this word
Complementary is often confused with 'complimentary' (free, or expressing praise); complementary specifically means 'completing' or 'combining well.'
Words with a similar meaning
harmonizingmatching
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
clashingconflicting
Make it your own
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