as in to scream
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
the time-honored tradition of new recruits complaining about the food in the mess hall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of complain
The pair did complain about the line and the drive times to get into the stadium, but still were overwhelmingly satisfied with their experience.
—
Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 June 2026
The amplifying of complaining subcontractors, always easy to find.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026
Customers praise the extensive services offered and the smooth scheduling process, but some have complained that Terminix’s mitigation methods have not been as effective as hoped.
—Nick Perry, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Add in concerns about heat, commercialization—my son is among those grumbling about water breaks during games, even when temperatures are mild—and the sheer size of the tournament, and there appears to be no shortage of reasons to complain.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for complain
Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 June 2026
The amplifying of complaining subcontractors, always easy to find.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026
Customers praise the extensive services offered and the smooth scheduling process, but some have complained that Terminix’s mitigation methods have not been as effective as hoped.
—Nick Perry, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Add in concerns about heat, commercialization—my son is among those grumbling about water breaks during games, even when temperatures are mild—and the sheer size of the tournament, and there appears to be no shortage of reasons to complain.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for complain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complain
Verb
-
The keeper could do nothing but flail and then turn and scream in frustration at his defense’s failings at the crucial moment.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
-
Elena called for Harold, who ran out in his boxers — both men screamed at each other and threatened to call the cops.—
Olivia Bensimon,
Curbed,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
Don’t whine about his Northern California roots or love of the local nine.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026
-
Stop whining and complaining, people.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Musselwhite punctuated the music with his harmonica trills and moans while his right knee bounced in time with the rhythms.—
Kevin McKeough,
Chicago Tribune,
7 June 2026
-
And yes, that sound will dissipate and soon will be too faint for my human ears as it is absorbed into space, but Renee Gladman writes that spaces moan.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Fans grumbled and became apathetic.—
Henry Bushnell,
New York Times,
14 June 2026
-
Add in concerns about heat, commercialization—my son is among those grumbling about water breaks during games, even when temperatures are mild—and the sheer size of the tournament, and there appears to be no shortage of reasons to complain.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
In the shadows of the long-hut, the elders muttered among themselves—of portents and crops and weather and the storage of grain.—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
-
An edgy confrontation The Rangers were still seething as Keenan attempted to address the team following a demoralizing 3-1 loss, with a few snapping back or muttering under their breath.—
Vincent Z. Mercogliano,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
Verb
-
Looking to be quite aggressive in a football sense and always looking for the solution and what can happen instead of worrying about what the problem is.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
Many have worried that the trend toward more historic, modern, and established art is leaving contemporary artists in the dust, but by the sounds of it yesterday, dealers confirmed strong interest in the latter category, with broader sales made across their program.—
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complain. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
