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.

Motorists complain that potholes and loose gravel from old roadtops cause crashes or flat tires.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

"Ex footballers will all be saying handball and no one would complain about it."

From BBC • May 17, 2026

They run L.A. — and now Japan — and their star-studded team leads baseball in road attendance, generating money for the rival owners that complain about the Dodgers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

He approached the nurses to complain about Patterson pushing the matter.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

I never heard Farmer complain of having too many patients, and it seemed clear that he couldn’t feel comfortable anywhere not having any at all.

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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