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GRE vocabulary

complementary

adjectiveHigh-frequency wordMore C words

combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other

Word origin: From Latin complementum, that which completes (complere to fill up).

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In a sentence

Complementary in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing complementary in a sentence.

Their complementary skills made them an exceptionally effective research team.

The two researchers brought complementary skills, one in fieldwork and the other in statistics.

Synonyms
compatibleharmoniouscorrespondingmatching
Antonyms
contradictoryincompatibleconflicting

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Verbal · Sentence Equivalence

Modern editors have softened many passages that earlier audiences accepted without protest, finding blank what their grandparents had regarded as merely robust and good-humored.

Select the two answers that give the sentence the same meaning. 0 of 2 selected.

Usage & nuance

Using “complementary” well

Complementary describes things that combine to enhance each other. Do not confuse it with the homophone complimentary, meaning praising or free of charge.

Common questions

Questions about “complementary”

Complementary (adjective) means combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other
Here is complementary used in an example sentence: "Their complementary skills made them an exceptionally effective research team." Another example: "The two researchers brought complementary skills, one in fieldwork and the other in statistics."
Common synonyms for complementary include compatible, harmonious, corresponding, matching.
Antonyms of complementary include contradictory, incompatible, conflicting.
Complementary pairs with compatible, harmonious, corresponding, and matching. Its antonyms contradictory, incompatible, and conflicting mark the clashing-context answers; watch the complimentary trap.
Yes. Complementary is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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