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.

The building bonanza is likely to boost GDP, analysts say, but some caution that it comes with risks, while residents displaced in the name of progress complain of being left behind.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

At other times, he stopped midsong to complain about the lights before restarting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

I'm used to accepting the officials decisions and I try to not complain about it.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

We parent as a team who spends holidays together and we will head to Coachella soon to complain about the bus lines amid total exhaustion yet again.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Gomo hugged her so tight Jinjoo could hardly breathe, but she didn’t complain.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh

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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