complementary

/ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: complementaries

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Acting as a complement; making up a whole with something else.

Adjective

Examples

I'll provide you with some complementary notes to help you study.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Of the specific pairings of the bases in DNA and RNA.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A complementary colour.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

An angle which adds with another to equal 90 degrees.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “complementary” mean?

Acting as a complement; making up a whole with something else.

Is “complementary” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.