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complain

verb

kəm-ˈplān How to pronounce complain (audio)
Definition of complainnext
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

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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 Lawyers complain about hallucinations, mistakes, and the technology’s other shortcomings. — Logan Brown, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026 Detainees at the detention center have complained about being pepper-sprayed on at least two occasions, the Associated Press reported in January. — Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026 Vcg | Visual China Group | Getty Images When the first employee walks into a company's human resources department to complain about a robot co-worker or overzealous AI scheduling assistant, what exactly is HR supposed to do? — Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 20 Sep. 2026 Patience is the ability to remain calm and accept delays, difficulties, or annoyance without complaining or becoming angry. — Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complain
  1. scream
  2. whine
  3. moan
  4. grumble
  5. mutter
  6. worry
Verb
  • The payoff to that trick leaves Kumail and Gianmarco screaming, first in thrilled disbelief at what Jake pulls off, then in frustration at Maria’s vote.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Instead, Williams screamed out in pain and could not carry himself off the field.
    — Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of scream
Verb
  • Andrew whines about the prattling women who’ve infiltrated his home, firmly establishing that all men are, in fact, terrible.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Still, to Sandy, Joe’s whining is no reason to write him off altogether.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of whine
Verb
  • At the same time, Plog placed a phone call to a relative and can be heard moaning and screaming in pain.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Sam makes a production out of teasing them, mock-reaching for various items on the set as the whole group moans and wails in distress.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of moan
Verb
  • Rotten sat alone on an old, overstuffed couch and grumbled to himself while Sidney entertained the four ladies.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
  • There was no fussing and fighting and grumbling or anything like that.
    — Scott Talley, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of grumble
Verb
  • Heti stared at the drawing in front of her and muttered whatever under her breath.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The tourists mutter in disbelief before the driver of the bus heads down the street to the next haunted stop.
    — Sonjirose Chin, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of mutter
Verb
  • Many of the condition’s early signs, such as depression or impulsivity, can stem from other factors, and some experts worry about making premature diagnoses.
    — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The backlash against data centers is growing, as critics worry about rising electricity bills as well as air, water and noise pollution.
    — Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of worry

Browse Nearby Words

complacent
complain
complainant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Complain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complain. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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