complementing

verb

present participle of complement
as in decorating
to serve as a completing element to this silk handkerchief will complement your suit very nicely and give it a bit of dash

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of complementing Not to mention an elite player to build around in Bowers, all complementing what defensive end Maxx Crosby brings to the defense. — Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026 The Bears finished with 54 carries for 232 yards, with starter D’Andre Swift complementing Monangai’s big day with 58 yards on 15 carries. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Stone and wood run from the exterior to the interior, complementing the alpine surroundings. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 2026 This year’s festival has set 119 films — 75 features and 44 shorts – across its Main Slate, Spotlight, Currents and Revivals sections along with a series of talks complementing the lineup. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026 That experience can bring valuable perspectives and capabilities to nonprofit teams while complementing the strengths already within the organization. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 Above the headlight sits a new front-facing radar sensor, complementing the existing rear radar to bring Adaptive Cruise Control to the Tiger 1200. — New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2026 Fort Adams State Park is another good spot for an autumnal stroll, with vibrant leaves complementing the views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 The new mission will extend the vision of NASA’s other famous observatories, providing a field of view 100 times wider than the Hubble Space Telescope and complementing the groundbreaking work of the James Webb Space Telescope. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complementing
  1. decorating
  2. adorning
  3. completing
  4. enhancing
Verb
  • Small details added personality to denim, from a red floral patch decorating the back pocket of a pair of jeans to designer and vintage belts.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Coffee spills, muddy shoes, pet mishaps, and everyday messes don’t have to turn into decorating disasters.
    — Ethan Stone October 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of decorating
Verb
  • Tourism picks up Whether arriving from within Chile or overseas, tourists are venturing into the remote, inhospitable areas of the Atacama to admire the millions of flowers adorning vast areas of the desert, stretching from the coast to the horizon.
    — Nayara Batschke, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Growing up thousands of miles away from the Hollywood sign in Bratislava, Slovakia, ADÉLA spent her childhood studying American pop stars and had posters of Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande and Britney Spears adorning her bedroom walls.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of adorning
Verb
  • Her shoes were very similar in style to her mother’s, and the pair looked on as Princess Leonor marched in the parade in formal military attire to celebrate completing three years of training.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • In the latest three months, Goldman benefited from completing SpaceX's record-breaking IPO in June.
    — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of completing
Verb
  • There could be uses in agriculture as well, for selectively enhancing edible parts of plants, Theriot said.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Sisters Beste and Merve Manastır are enhancing their brand’s refined minimalism through an increasing attention to materials, craftsmanship and details such as more elevated hardware and stitching.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of enhancing

Browse Nearby Words

complemented
complementing
complements
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Cite this Entry

“Complementing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complementing. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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