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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of complain
That also prompted a number of customers to complain about the issue on social media.
—
Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025
Neighbors of the seventh-floor dwelling and animal rescue groups have been complaining about Yadgarov’s apartment of horrors for nearly two years.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 14 May 2025
This is certainly not the first time a frustrated parent has taken to Reddit to complain about outlandish birthday party demands, but this one feels unique.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 14 May 2025
During a ski vacation in the seventh episode, Ginny complains that Nick is not being fully present with her friends.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for complain
Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025
Neighbors of the seventh-floor dwelling and animal rescue groups have been complaining about Yadgarov’s apartment of horrors for nearly two years.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 14 May 2025
This is certainly not the first time a frustrated parent has taken to Reddit to complain about outlandish birthday party demands, but this one feels unique.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 14 May 2025
During a ski vacation in the seventh episode, Ginny complains that Nick is not being fully present with her friends.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for complain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complain
Verb
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In a similar lawsuit launched in March against Trump’s reorganization of the Department of Education, Randi Weingarten of the American Federation of Teachers whined that Trump’s plan could lead to block grants to the states, some even allowing the money to go for private school vouchers.—
Betsy McCaughey,
Boston Herald,
18 May 2025
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Many comments on that post feel McIlroy is whining, but that does not seem to be the case.—
Savannah Leigh Richardson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 May 2025
Verb
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Videos posted to social media appear to show the mast of the ship crashing into the bridge just before 8:30 p.m., as passengers and nearby onlookers screamed, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation on the East River for the injured and overboard passengers.—
Alexandra Koch , Alexis McAdams , CB Cotton , Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2025
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Downstairs on the fairy-tale terrace, over an exorbitant Scottish cheese board, her mother and husband and sister were all screaming at one another.—
Patricia Lockwood,
New Yorker,
18 May 2025
Verb
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But the Francophone descriptor fails to conjure the dust her voice kicks up, the grit and moan that hang in the air after each song.—
Carrie Brownstein,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2025
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Having been browbeaten by the negativity of previous coaches Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, having a manager who didn't dismiss the idea the team could be title challengers or moan about a lack of talent was refreshing.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Dean grumbled and backed off when a long line formed at the theater box office and the concert sold-out in a flash.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2025
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Trump grumbled during a White House meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.—
Erin Doherty,
CNBC,
6 May 2025
Verb
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He is made, late in the show, to feign a seizure in a moment that doesn’t land, and the blocking of his final scene, in which the actor mutters to the ceiling while lying on his back, similarly thuds.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
24 Mar. 2025
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Victoria barely muttered a word to Kate, who approached the Ratliffs during a meal, making the exchange extra awkward.—
Alli Rosenbloom,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Given the historical biases in hiring practices, many job seekers worry that AI might perpetuate or even amplify these biases.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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One thing Salmon didn’t have to worry about before Monday’s game was having support.—
Tony Baranek,
Chicago Tribune,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complain. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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