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.

Customers have taken to social media to complain about the change.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

I'm used to accepting the officials decisions and I try to not complain about it.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Agriculture sector representatives are due in Brussels for talks with the European Commission on April 13, as many complain the conflict risks plunging an already strained industry into a deeper crisis.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Farmer remembered the regret etched on his mother’s soft face when they had to leave it behind, but as usual, she didn’t complain.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

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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