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.

“People act like we took something as if we didn’t build everything they touch,” Carl will complain to JoAnne.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

If you don’t start to read a putt until it is your turn, and you do that 18 times, you have lost your license to complain about the pace of others.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

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

They complain about ending up covered in manure or dust, or shivering in a freezer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Carp is a type of fish; carp also means to complain.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

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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