Definitions

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.

If people happily complain about waking up the next day with sore feet, then it was a good day.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

Damodaran also is taking a shot at those who complain about the stretched valuation metrics.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

She earlier described "a lack of data of when things go wrong – it's hard to know who to contact, who to complain to, how to resolve issues and actually even who has responsibility".

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

On Endurance, the ship’s timbers began to complain.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong

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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