complement
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for complement, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Something that completes or goes well with something else.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From Latin complementum, "that which fills up or completes."
Full origin of complement →Frequently asked questions
What does “complement” mean?
The word “complement” means something that completes or goes well with something else. In plain terms, something that completes or pairs well with something else.
How do you pronounce “complement”?
“Complement” is pronounced KOMP-luh-muhnt (/ˈkɑmpləmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “complement” in a sentence?
Here is “complement” used in a sentence: “The wine was a perfect complement to the meal.”
What part of speech is “complement”?
Depending on how it is used, “complement” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “complement” come from?
The word “complement” comes from Latin. From Latin complementum, "that which fills up or completes.".
Is “complement” a common word?
“Complement” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “complement” have?
“Complement” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something that completes or goes well with something else.
What is the difference between complement and compliment?
Complement means something that completes or goes well with something else, such as a wine that complements a meal. Compliment means a polite expression of praise, so the two words are unrelated in meaning despite sounding identical.
How do you use complement as a verb correctly?
As a verb, complement means to complete or improve something by adding a matching or contrasting quality, as in "the sauce complements the fish." It should not be confused with "compliment," which means to praise someone.
Can complement be both a noun and a verb?
Yes, complement functions as a noun for something that completes or matches another thing, and as a verb for the act of completing or enhancing something through a matching quality.