complementary color

noun

1. Art.
   1. one of a pair of primary or secondary colors opposed to the other member of the pair on a schematic chart or scale color wheel, as green opposed to red, orange opposed to blue, or violet opposed to yellow. Compare analogous color.
   2. the relationship of these pairs of colors perceived as completing or enhancing each other.
2. secondary color.

complementary color

1. A secondary color that, when combined with the primary color whose wavelength it does not contain, produces white light. Thus yellow, which is produced by mixing the primary colors red and green, is the complementary color of blue.
2. See Note at color

Word History and Origins

Origin of complementary color¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Opie’s backdrop is a damask drapery in dark green, red’s vivifying complementary color.

From Los Angeles Times

The soft orbs of “Mirror of the Floating World” are rendered mostly in complementary colors and arranged to pull the eye both toward and away from the pictures’ cores.

From Washington Post

Five years later, they’re dishing out drinks as vibrant as oil paintings: Blue Jasmine tea, pineapple Palmer and strawberry matcha blend complementary colors in clear cups and make for a striking photo opportunity.

From Washington Post

Works-Leary suggests creating a layering effect by choosing plants with differing textures, complementary colors and varying heights.

From Washington Post

With that in mind, I went ahead and swapped out the nickel hardware for brass, painted the walls a complementary color, and what do you know?

From Salon