complementary
4 synonyms for complementary, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Combining well with something else so that together they form a complete or improved whole.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
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.
complemental
completing
How to use complementary
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
complementary colors
complementary skills
complementary angle
Etymology
From complement plus -ary; a near-twin spelling of "complimentary," which instead relates to praise.
Full origin of complementary →Frequently asked questions
What does “complementary” mean?
The word “complementary” means combining well with something else so that together they form a complete or improved whole. In plain terms, fitting together well with something else to make a better whole.
How do you pronounce “complementary”?
“Complementary” is pronounced komp-lih-MEHNT-ree (/ˌkɑmplɪˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “complementary” in a sentence?
Here is “complementary” used in a sentence: “Their skills are complementary — she's creative, and he's highly organized.”
What part of speech is “complementary”?
Depending on how it is used, “complementary” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “complementary” a common word?
“Complementary” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “complementary” have?
“Complementary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: combining well with something else so that together they form a complete or improved whole.
What is the difference between complementary and complimentary?
Complementary means combining well with something else to form a complete or improved whole, as in complementary colors or complementary skills, while complimentary means given free of charge or expressing praise, as in a complimentary drink. The two words are pronounced alike but spelled differently and have unrelated meanings.
What are complementary angles?
Complementary angles are two angles that add up to exactly ninety degrees, a specific mathematical use of the word distinct from its general meaning of things that combine well together. This sense is common in geometry rather than everyday speech.
