Complementary: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this term similarly to 'complementary' above when talking about things that go well together or complete each other.

• Their personalities are complementary, making them great partners.
• She has a complementary approach to his method of teaching.

Use when describing things that create a pleasing effect together, often in terms of visual or auditory aesthetics.

• The different elements of the design are harmonizing beautifully.
• Their voices are harmonizing perfectly in the song.

Use when describing something that improves or adds value to another thing.

• The new software is enhancing the performance of our computers.
• The spices are enhancing the flavor of the dish.

Use when emphasizing or highlighting a specific feature or aspect of something.

• The lighting is accentuating the details in the sculpture.
• He wore a tie that was accentuating the color of his eyes.

Describing something that goes well with or enhances another thing.

• The new marketing strategy was complementary to the established sales tactics.
• Their personalities proved to be highly complementary in team projects.

Used when two or more elements rely on each other to function or thrive, emphasizing mutual dependence.

• In a healthy relationship, partners are interdependent, each supporting the other's well-being.
• The economies of these two countries are highly interdependent.

Describing a situation where all parties involved gain advantages or benefits.

• The merger was mutually beneficial for both companies, leading to increased market share.
• They formed a mutually beneficial partnership to tackle the project effectively.

Generally used in a biological context but can also describe any close, long-term interaction between two different entities where both benefit.

• The bees and flowers have a symbiotic relationship; the bees get nectar while the flowers get pollinated.
• The artist and the gallery have a symbiotic relationship, each thriving from the partnership.