How to Use Compliment vs. Complement (Word Choice)

First published on August 19, 2023 by Dalia Y.|Last revised on October 28, 2025

A compliment is an expression of flattery or admiration. A complement is "a thing that completes or brings to perfection".

Writing Tips

How to Use Compliment vs. Complement (Word Choice)

Complement/compliment in text conversation. — *Complement* and *compliment* in text conversation.

Compliment vs. complement: what's the difference?

If someone says you look nice, do you return the compliment or... complement? If the difference between them eludes, see below. It's complimentary.

Despite being a mere letter apart and sounding the same, "compliment" and "complement" are two different words that are not interchangeable.

Both complement and compliment have noun, verb, and adjective forms, making them slightly trickier homophones (i.e., words that sound the same but mean different things).

Compliment (noun/verb) — an expression of praise or admiration; to praise someone.
Complement (noun/verb) — something that completes or enhances something else; to complete or enhance.

👍🏼Usage Note

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The new curtains are a perfect complement to the room's decor.

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She complimented his courage during the difficult presentation.

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His quiet nature really compliments her outgoing personality.

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I received many complements on my excellent public speaking.

Definitions and usage

Compliment (noun/verb)

An expression of praise or admiration. As a verb, to compliment means to say something nice or admiring to someone. As a noun, a compliment refers to the comment or expression of praise that's given.

Noun:

• She received several compliments on her speech.

• My compliments to the chef!

Verb:

• She complimented him on his excellent German.

• She complimented my vocabulary.

Complement (noun/verb)

As a verb, complement describes improving or enhancing something else by combining with it. As a noun, a complement refers to whichever thing enhances or improves (read: completes) what it's added to or made to be a part of.

Noun:

• This vegetable's sweetness is a perfect complement to heavier foods.

• The new curtains are a perfect complement to the room's decor.

Verb:

• This shade beautifully complements the color of your eyes.

• Her vibrant personality really complements his laid-back demeanor.

• We need players on the team that will complement each other's strengths and weaknesses.

Complimentary vs. complementary

As an adjective, complimentary can mean something free of charge (as in, "The hotel offers complimentary breakfast"). It can also describe a comment as a compliment; as in "She had some very complimentary remarks about my writing".

Complementary, as an adjective, is similar to its verb/noun form. It describes something (people or things) coming together to form a useful or improved combination (whether of skills, qualities, or aesthetically). For example, "The board members have different but complementary backgrounds" or "We need managers with unique but complementary skills".

Complimentary:

• After one or two complimentary remarks about her hosts, she got to the main part of her speech.

• She was happy to receive complimentary feedback on her essay.

Complementary:

• We provide a service that is essentially complementary to that of the banks.

• The board members have different but complementary backgrounds.

Phrases with 'compliment'

Phrase	Meaning
a backhanded or left-handed compliment	An insult that's expressed as praise.
a compliment sandwich	Criticism or feedback that's sandwiched between comments of praise.
to return the compliment	Literally, to say something nice to someone after they've praised you.
compliments of the house	Said from a merchant or establishment when they offer something free to guests.
to fish for compliments	To attempt to elicit praise from someone.

Synonyms & nearby words

Synonyms for compliment

admiration applaud homage adulation acclaim appreciation approval encomium

Synonyms for complement

accompaniment completion counterpart supplement addition enrichment enhancement

Pro tip! To remember the difference, think of "complement" as short for "complete", meaning something that completes or perfects something else.

Word origins

Complement: Late 14c., "means of completing; that which completes; what is needed to complete or fill up," from Old French compliement "accomplishment, fulfillment" (14c., Modern French complément), from Latin complementum "that which fills up or completes," from complere "fill up".

Compliment: Mid 17th century: from French compliment (noun), complimenter (verb), from Italian complimento 'fulfillment of the requirements of courtesy', from Latin complementum 'completion, fulfillment'.

Complement and compliment share an origin and come from the same Latin word, complere, "fill up". Complement is still true to its original Latin meaning, "to fill up, finish, suit". Compliment, on the other hand, has strayed from its etymological definition and now refers to "pay a compliment to, flatter or gratify by expression of admiration, respect, etc."

Practice quiz: Compliment or complement?

FAQs

What is the main difference?

Compliment is about praise or saying something nice (like receiving compliments). Complement is about completing or enhancing something else (like curtains complementing decor).

What does "compliment" mean?

To compliment is to praise or say something nice. As a noun, a compliment is the praise itself. Example: "She complimented him on his excellent German." or "My compliments to the chef!"

What does "complement" mean?

To complement means to enhance or complete something else by combining with it. As a noun, a complement is the thing that completes. Example: "This shade beautifully complements the color of your eyes."

Are complement and compliment interchangeable?

No, they are two different words that are not interchangeable, despite sounding the same. Using one for the other is a common mistake, as shown in the incorrect examples provided.

What's the difference, complimentary vs complementary?

'Complimentary' often means free of charge (like a complimentary breakfast) or expresses praise. 'Complementary' describes things that enhance or complete each other, like complementary skills.