as in to whine
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
the time-honored tradition of new recruits complaining about the food in the mess hall
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of complain
Then came the study by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography that gave scientific backing to what local residents had been complaining about for some time: The sewage spills are fouling the air.
—
Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025
Those who support and cheer every time ICE instills fear or conducts a raid should not complain when their favorite eatery closes.
—Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025
As a black man and Maryland’s first black governor, Moore could likely appeal to male voters of color who have complained about the Democratic Party failing to prioritize their needs.
—Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2025
Yet, as Father Rohr points out, there are also bitter people, like the woman, another walker, who complained to management, asking them to evict the homeless woman.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for complain
Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025
Those who support and cheer every time ICE instills fear or conducts a raid should not complain when their favorite eatery closes.
—Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025
As a black man and Maryland’s first black governor, Moore could likely appeal to male voters of color who have complained about the Democratic Party failing to prioritize their needs.
—Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2025
Yet, as Father Rohr points out, there are also bitter people, like the woman, another walker, who complained to management, asking them to evict the homeless woman.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for complain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complain
Verb
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Through it all, though, Soto didn’t whine or complain or let the pressure of the contract and expectations and big city bring him down along with his batting average.—
Mike Lupica,
New York Daily News,
28 June 2025
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Of course, some will whine that endless war and support for atrocities erode America’s values.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 June 2025
Verb
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Woman screams as snake attacks—dog jumps in and takes the venom for her The video highlighted the canine parents, with viewers instantly falling in love with the unique puppies.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 July 2025
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Expose them to loud noises The sound of a baby screaming or crying can be distressing to your dog.—
Kelsey Monstrola,
USA Today,
2 July 2025
Verb
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There’s no point moaning without offering some kind of solution.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
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Fire-Rescue Battalion Chief Erik Windsor said fire crews removed a manhole cover in the general area of the storm drain opening, inserted a powerful listening device and heard moaning.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Liberal Democrats have been grumbling about Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont for more than a year regarding his opposition to tax hikes on Connecticut’s richest residents and blocking more wide-scale loosening of the state’s fiscal guardrails to allow more spending for progressive priorities.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
29 June 2025
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Sarah Stier / Getty Images Could Bailey grumble at first?—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
26 June 2025
Verb
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McMurtry muttering bone-dry jokes at the end of the world.—
Philip Martin,
Arkansas Online,
26 June 2025
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Grandpa got up from his armchair and shuffled into the kitchen, muttering about needing a drink.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
24 June 2025
Verb
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When Test Track officially opens on July 22, guests will not have to worry about virtual queues.—
Megan duBois,
Southern Living,
7 July 2025
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Mellinger now worries the department will not be able to meet its five-year goals for key performance indicators, which measure progress on the county’s biggest public health challenges.—
Marissa Meador,
IndyStar,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complain. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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