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.

Some grocery-store owners complain that officers aren’t always interested in taking a complaint because the value of the stolen products is so small, Eusebio said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Looking at the statistics, maybe Slot does have more reason to complain.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Yet teachers and parents complain that schools sometimes run out of basic materials like toilet paper.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

“People act like we took something as if we didn’t build everything they touch,” Carl will complain to JoAnne.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

Yet just the other evening Penelope had overheard her complain that the dressmaker refused to sew another stitch until paid the money owed her.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

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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