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.

Even Troy, who treats Josh well, will complain about soggy squash blossoms from the club kitchen.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 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

Unions and workers complain of "starvation wages" which have been frozen since 2022.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

But the former president didn’t complain; he wasn’t going to interfere if it was everyone else’s best chance for survival.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple

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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