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.

Ben Harrison's firm, 'Mypower' is powered by the sun, so he feels he cannot complain about it.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

But many residents already displaced as part of Hanoi's urban renewal drive complain they were paid below-market rates for their homes.

From Barron's • Jun. 24, 2026

So it’s startling to hear even some progressive elected officials complain about the appalling conditions at the city’s existing housing projects.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

Pearlman says he tried to contact Marriott to complain but didn’t get through to anyone until a LinkedIn post he wrote detailing his grievances went viral.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 16, 2026

I never heard Farmer complain of having too many patients, and it seemed clear that he couldn’t feel comfortable anywhere not having any at all.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

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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