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.

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

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 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

Wolff said in Japan on Sunday: "Nobody can complain about the lack of good racing. Would you agree? Yeah or not?"

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Chemicals is one of the most important sectors in Europe's biggest economy but key industry players complain of high energy costs, onerous EU regulations and fierce foreign competition.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

This part of Daffodil Manor was freezing cold, and Ophie had often heard her mother complain that the rooms seemed to keep a chill even with a fire roaring in the hearth.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

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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