You know that feeling when you find the perfect pair of shoes for an outfit? Or when you add just the right amount of lime to a street taco? People usually say those things "complement" each other. But honestly, using the same word over and over is boring. It's also a bit lazy. If you are writing a performance review, a college essay, or even just a spicy caption for Instagram, you need other words for complement to actually land your point.
Language is weird. We get stuck in these ruts where we use "good" or "nice" or "complement" because our brains are on autopilot. But "complement" is a heavy lifter. It means to complete, to enhance, or to make something whole. Depending on what you’re actually talking about—be it a wine pairing or a team dynamic—there is almost always a better, more specific word waiting in the wings.
Words matter. They change how people perceive your intelligence and your attention to detail.
The "Perfect Fit" Vibe: Synonyms for Completion
When something complements something else, it’s often because it fills a gap. It’s the missing puzzle piece. Think about the way a bassist and a drummer work together. They aren't just playing at the same time; they are completing the rhythm section.
Rounding out is a great phrase for this. It feels organic. If you’re adding a final chapter to a book, you aren't just complementing the story; you’re rounding it out. It implies a certain level of fullness that "complement" lacks.
Then you’ve got integrate. This is a bit more formal, sure. You’ll hear it a lot in tech or business. "The new software integrates perfectly with our existing stack." It sounds smart because it is. It suggests that the two things haven't just been pushed together—they’ve become one unit.
Don't forget match. It’s simple. Maybe too simple for some? But "match" is visceral. A tie matches a shirt. It’s visual and immediate. If you want to sound a bit more sophisticated, try coordinate. It’s the "adult" version of matching. You don't just match your furniture; you coordinate your interior design. It implies intention.
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Making Things Better: Words for Enhancement
Sometimes, a complement doesn't just finish something; it makes the original thing better. This is where the word enhance thrives. If you add salt to a steak, you are enhancing the flavor. You aren't "completing" the steak—the steak was already a steak—but you're making it the best version of itself.
Augment is another powerhouse. Use this when you’re adding something to increase value or size. In the world of tech, we talk about "augmented reality." It’s taking the real world and adding a digital layer to make it more functional. If you’re looking for other words for complement in a technical or data-driven context, augment is your best friend.
What about elevate?
This one is trendy.
And for good reason.
To elevate something is to raise its status. A high-end garnish elevates a dish. A great score elevates a movie. It’s more poetic than "complement." It suggests a vertical movement, a literal step up in quality.
Then there’s accentuate. This is specific. It means to draw attention to a particular feature. You don't complement your eyes with eyeliner; you accentuate them. You’re picking a specific trait and putting a spotlight on it. It’s a word of precision.
The Subtle Difference Between Complement and Compliment
We have to talk about it. The "e" versus the "i." It's the mistake that haunts editors' dreams.
A compliment (with an "i") is when you tell someone they have a nice laugh. It’s flattery. It’s a gift of words. A complement (with an "e") is about completion. Think of the "e" in complement as standing for "everything" or "enhancement."
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If you use the wrong one in a professional email, it’s not the end of the world, but it does look a bit sloppy. "Your tie really compliments your suit" actually means the tie is literally speaking praise to the suit. Which is a weird image. You want the tie to complement the suit. They should work together.
Context is King: Choosing the Right Alternative
You can’t just swap words out like Lego bricks. Context changes everything.
- In Business: Use words like synergize (though it's a bit buzzword-heavy) or reciprocate. If two departments are working well, they are offsetting each other's weaknesses.
- In Cooking: Use pair or balance. You pair a Cabernet with a ribeye. You balance acidity with fat.
- In Art/Design: Use harmonize. It suggests a pleasing arrangement. Colors don't just complement; they harmonize to create a mood.
- In Social Dynamics: Use set off. "That hat really sets off your features." It sounds natural and observant.
Accompaniment is a solid choice when one thing is clearly the "main event" and the other is a supporting player. A side of fries is an accompaniment to a burger. It’s not an equal partner, but the meal would be sad without it.
The Power of "Go Well With"
Sometimes, the best way to say something is to just say it plainly. "This wine goes well with the pasta." It’s honest. It’s human. We often try to find the biggest word in the thesaurus because we think it makes us look smarter. Usually, it just makes us look like we're trying too hard.
If you're writing a text to a friend, don't say, "Your shoes augment your aesthetic." That's weird. Just say they go well with the fit.
On the flip side, if you're writing a PhD thesis on architectural history, "goes well with" might be a bit too thin. That’s when you pull out consonance or congruity. These words suggest a deep, structural agreement between parts. They imply that the relationship isn't just surface-level—it’s baked into the design.
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Why We Search for Synonyms Anyway
Why are you even looking for other words for complement? Usually, it's because you've used the word twice in the same paragraph and it's starting to look like a typo. Repetition kills engagement. When a reader sees the same word over and over, their brain starts to skip. They stop "reading" and start "scanning."
By varying your word choice, you keep the reader's brain active. You provide nuance. "Enhance" feels different than "Complete." "Match" feels different than "Harmonize." Each word carries its own "flavor" or "vibe."
Common Misconceptions About These Synonyms
People often think supplement is a direct synonym for complement. It’s not. Not really.
A supplement is something extra. It’s an "add-on" that isn't necessarily required for the thing to function. Think of Vitamin C supplements. You (hopefully) already have a body that works; the supplement is just extra insurance. A complement, however, is often seen as something that makes the whole thing "right." A car engine isn't "supplemented" by oil; it’s complemented (and required) by it to function correctly.
Then there's appendix. Again, people get confused. An appendix is attached, but it’s often vestigial or secondary. A complement is integral. If you remove a complement, the whole system feels lopsided.
Actionable Steps for Better Writing
If you want to master the art of the "complement" and its many cousins, you have to practice intentionality. It's not just about knowing the words; it's about knowing when to deploy them.
- Audit your draft: Do a "find" command for the word "complement." If it appears more than once, look at the context. Are you talking about beauty? Use accentuate. Are you talking about a team? Use balance.
- Read aloud: This is the oldest trick in the book because it works. If a sentence sounds clunky or repetitive when you say it, it will feel the same way to a reader.
- Think in pairs: When you see two things working well together, ask yourself why they work. Is it because they are similar? (Use match). Is it because they are opposites that fix each other's flaws? (Use offset or counterbalance).
- Study the experts: Look at how food critics or fashion writers describe things. They rarely use "complement." They use words like marry, flatter, or underpin.
Stop settling for the first word that pops into your head. The English language is massive and messy and beautiful. Use all of it. Whether you're trying to describe how a new marketing strategy fits into a company's goals or why a specific rug works in a living room, there is a word that fits better than "complement." Find it. Your readers (and your boss) will thank you.
Keep a list of these alternatives in your notes. Next time you're stuck, you won't have to scramble. You'll have a toolkit ready to go. Writing isn't about being fancy; it's about being clear. And sometimes, clarity requires a better vocabulary.