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.

Edwards said he was "amazed" by the reaction, adding: "I guess a big part of British culture is to complain about the post or trains being late, so it rings true for so many."

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

If people happily complain about waking up the next day with sore feet, then it was a good day.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

Similar to buying fire insurance, people complain about a hike in their premiums, but in that case, they hope and pray they won’t ever need to make a claim.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 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

I get another pinch on the cheek, but I don’t complain.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

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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