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 Workers had complained that the belt was old and not properly maintained. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 Had Lagioia’s largely excellent script, adapted from his book, included even a minor positive gay character, there would be nothing to complain about. — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026 Trump has a long history of complaining about Fox to Murdoch — while also coveting its support and complimenting its pro-Trump stars. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026 Players and coaches complained about inconsistent officiating, physicality and a lack of accountability. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 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
  • Hathaway screams into a walkie talkie, encouraging them to jump out of the building.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Then, as the sparks fly behind him and the crowd screams in astonishment, the throat-busting roar of triumph.
    — Rob Tanner, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of scream
Verb
  • And everyone stop whining to their mom about the other one – or in this case, a federal judge.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Quit whining about the stupid catch, quit whining about Jazz stealing third, and maybe start talking about how the Red Sox were a complete no-show all weekend long.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of whine
Verb
  • 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
  • Endo is the sixth choice midfielder and someone who never moans about his place in the pecking order.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of moan
Verb
  • There was no fussing and fighting and grumbling or anything like that.
    — Scott Talley, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Gamer grumbles The GTA 6 preview follows a mixed reaction from players to the news that GTA 6 would only be released as a digital download, with no physical disc.
    — Jenni Reid,Alex Buckmaster, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of grumble
Verb
  • 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
  • When John finally reunites with Hal (who charges the ring against the lantern while quickly muttering his oath), the frustrated protégé immediately confronts his teacher with all the suspicions he was meant to keep secret.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of mutter
Verb
  • But were the majority of Berlin’s citizens worried about what all this might mean in the long run?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The news, which prompted Treasury yields to fall, came after days of headlines worrying about a global sell-off in government bonds.
    — Matt Peterson,Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 9 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 12 Sep. 2026.

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