easy
The bright scarf is a perfect complement to the dark coat.
What does Complement mean?
A complement completes something or works well with it.
Dictionary definition
Something that completes or improves another thing, or to complete or improve it by fitting well; complement also has special grammar and math meanings.
Example sentences
Complement in a sentence
easy
The map complements the written directions.
medium
The team began the match with its full complement of players.
hard
In the sentence “The sky became dark,” dark is a complement that completes the idea about the sky.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice complement in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Commonly confused words
Compliment or complement?
Compare the meanings, then choose a word for each new sentence.
Compliment
Praise, or the act of giving praise.
In a sentence Her kind compliment made me smile.
Complement
Something that completes or goes well with something else.
In a sentence The scarf is a bright complement to the coat.
Spot the difference A compliment is praise. A complement completes something or goes well with it.
Which word fits?
Choose compliment or complement for each blank. Say your answer, then check why it fits.
1Your painting is beautiful! That was a lovely ___.
Check answer 1
compliment — The kind words give praise.
2The crunchy topping is a perfect ___ to the smooth soup.
Check answer 2
complement — The topping goes well with the soup; it does not praise it.
Make it your ownTry the word in a sentence about your day.
Write a sentence with complementQuick practice
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Practice the meaning of Complement
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does complement usually mean outside technical subjects?
A complement supplies something useful, completes a whole, or fits well with another thing.
Practice 2
Choose the word that completes the sentence: “The photographs ___ the report.”
The photographs work well with and improve the report, so complement is correct.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses complement correctly?
The sauce completes or improves the dish; a compliment would be praise.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Complement
Voice settings
Sounds like
kom · pluh · ment · strongest beat: kom
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordComplement.
Partnoun, verb.
MeaningComplement means A complement completes something or works well with it.
ExampleExample: The bright scarf is a perfect complement to the dark coat.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- kom · pluh · ment
- Strongest beat
- kom
- Ending
- ment
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on kom.
Your turn
Say Complement
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Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced complement.
Synonyms
Words like Complement
Antonym review
Does Complement have an opposite?
Complement has ordinary completion, full-number, grammar, and mathematics senses, so clash and conflict are possible contrasts in selected examples but are not direct opposites of the whole word.
Synonym practice
Want to practice complement synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The map was a helpful complement to the story," then compare close word choices. Practice complement synonyms.
Word family
Complement word family
Base word
complement
verb
complements
More than one completing part, or completes and improves something.
verb
complemented
Completed or improved something by fitting well with it.
verb
complementing
Currently completing or improving something by fitting well.
adjective
complementary
Working together in a way that completes or improves the whole.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Complement
Hint for students
Complement begins like complete. Both noun and verb meanings involve completing, improving, or supplying what is needed.
Common mix-up
Complement is not praise. Compliment with an i names or gives praise; complement with an e completes or fits well with something.
Try it in class or at home
Match pairs that genuinely complement each other, then explain what each part adds. Extend the activity by finding a sentence complement or identifying two angles that complement each other to make 90 degrees.
Teacher prompt
Compare “The colors complement each other” with “She complimented the artist.” What is being completed in one sentence and communicated in the other?
Word Wheel
Practice with the School Words Wheel
This word is part of WordHive's researched School Words collection. Spin the complete wheel to review meanings, discuss classroom connections, and practice using school vocabulary in sentences.
Learning activities
Practice Complement and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice COMPLEMENT” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice COMPLEMENT
Sentence Builder
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Write a sentence with COMPLEMENT
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Spell Hive
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Vocabulary Match
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Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice COMPLEMENT
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes COMPLEMENT.
Practice COMPLEMENT
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
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