Complementary/ˌkɑːmplɪˈmentri/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Enhancement Focus Focus on how 'complementary' items enhance or improve each other when combined. Her scarf was a complementary accessory, making her outfit pop. Pro Tip 2/3Not Necessary 'Complementary' suggests an addition is not essential but beneficial. The hotel offered a complementary breakfast that made our stay more pleasant. Pro Tip 3/3Complete the Whole Use 'complementary' when one thing completes another to form a whole. Their skills are complementary, together providing a full range of services.