What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
complementary
Example
The red wine was a perfect complementary addition to the steak dinner. [complementary: adjective]
Example
The two colors are complementary, and they look great together. [complementary: adjective]
supplementary
Example
The textbook includes supplementary materials such as practice exercises and quizzes. [supplementary: adjective]
Example
The teacher provided supplementary reading materials to help students better understand the topic. [supplementary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Supplementary is more commonly used than complementary in academic and technical contexts, while complementary is more commonly used in the context of aesthetics, design, and relationships.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between complementary and supplementary?
Both complementary and supplementary are formal words that are appropriate for academic and technical writing. However, supplementary may be more commonly used in these contexts.
