How to Pronounce Complement vs Compliment

"complement" and "compliment" are homophones — pronounced exactly the same: KOM-pluh-ment (/ˈkɑːmpləmənt/). Pronounced the same in normal speech; the e/i is unstressed either way.

🟰 Same sound (homophones)

complement

/ˈkɑːmpləmənt/

Say it like: KOM-pluh-ment

complement

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Full pronunciation page for “complement” →

compliment

/ˈkɑːmpləmənt/

Say it like: KOM-pluh-ment

compliment

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Full pronunciation page for “compliment” →

Frequently asked questions

Are "complement" and "compliment" pronounced the same?

Yes. Both "complement" and "compliment" are pronounced KOM-pluh-ment (/ˈkɑːmpləmənt/) — they are homophones.

Why do people confuse "complement" and "compliment"?

One letter apart; the differing vowel is a reduced schwa.

More commonly-confused pairs