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

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

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

It was pretty miserable — but I wasn’t about to complain about free housing.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

As he would complain to his half-brother Augustine:

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

“Especially your halmoni. She said not to complain, don’t bring more attention to us. But he wouldn’t listen. He was so upset! I’ve never seen your father that angry before!”

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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