accompaniment

noun

ac·​com·​pa·​ni·​ment ə-ˈkəm-pə-nē-mənt How to pronounce accompaniment (audio)
-ˈkəmp-nē-
Synonyms of accompaniment
1
music : an instrumental or vocal part designed to support or complement a melody
sang the song with a piano accompaniment
2
a
: an addition (such as an ornament) intended to give completeness or symmetry to something : complement
a tie that's a nice accompaniment to his new suit
b
: an accompanying situation or occurrence : concomitant
studied Italian as an accompaniment to her art history class
accompanimental
ə-ˌkəm-pə-nē-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce accompaniment (audio)
-ˌkəmp-nē-
adjective

Synonyms of accompaniment

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Examples of accompaniment in a Sentence

She sings without musical accompaniment. A nice tie was a fine accompaniment to his new suit. This dish can be served as an accompaniment to most meat main dishes. This wine is a good accompaniment for spicy foods. She studied Italian as an accompaniment to her classes in art history.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While many people associate satay with Indonesia, versions of the dish are also enjoyed across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and other parts of the region, each with its own marinades, seasonings and accompaniments. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 28 July 2026 Olivia Wilde and Eva Victor co-star in the film, which notably uses its score as both musical accompaniment and an in-world story element. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 28 July 2026 Catholic roots This broader understanding of sanctuary is rooted in Catholic social teaching – especially the idea of accompaniment, which prioritizes closeness to people who are suffering. — Gina Perez, The Conversation, 21 July 2026 Try it on sandwiches, as a topping for fish or meats, or as an accompaniment for a gourmet cheese board. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for accompaniment

Word History

Etymology

accompany + -ment, on the model of French accompagnement, going back to Old French acompaignement "feudal power-sharing contract," derivative of acompaigner "to accompany"

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of accompaniment was in 1697

Phrases Containing accompaniment

Browse Nearby Words

accompanier
accompaniment
accompanist
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Cite this Entry

“Accompaniment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accompaniment. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

accompaniment

noun
ac·​com·​pa·​ni·​ment ə-ˈkəmp-(ə-)nē-mənt How to pronounce accompaniment (audio)
1
: music played along with a solo part to enrich it
2
: an accompanying object, situation, or event

More from Merriam-Webster on accompaniment

Nglish: Translation of accompaniment for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about accompaniment

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