Definitions

complain

[kuhm-pleyn] / kəmˈpleɪn /

VERB

grumble about

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accuse criticize denounce disagree fret gripe grumble lament moan object oppose protest

STRONG

ascribe attack beef bellyache bemoan bewail bitch carp cavil charge contravene defy demur deplore deprecate differ disapprove dissent expostulate fuss gainsay grieve groan grouse growl impute indict lay nag refute remonstrate repine reproach snivel wail whimper whine yammer

WEAK

find fault kick up a fuss look askance make a fuss sound off take exception to

Antonyms

STRONGEST

accept agree aid approve compliment concur consent help laud please praise soothe

STRONG

assent be happy defend delight endorse exonerate give in gloat go along protect ratify retreat sanction support surrender

WEAK

applaud be content commend recommend

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Erling would complain if he was on the bench.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Damodaran also took a shot at those who complain about the stretched valuation metrics.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

Job seekers who walk through his door these days often complain about not getting any responses to their applications.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

In 2016, near the height of her pop fame, her husband began to complain she was charging too much on the credit card account.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

No sense in giving Mr. Kravitz something else to complain about, he thought.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

Vocabulary lists containing complain

"The Railway Train" by Emily Dickinson

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Shiloh

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Sarah, Plain and Tall

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