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
Those caught up in the crisis are furious, with some complaining that the issues have been compounded by poor communication and false hope from those running the production.
—
Jake Kanter, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2025
Mountains of garbage are said to be visible from space and people have complained of seeing rats as big as cats in the refuse.
—Arkansas Online, 8 Apr. 2025
But the major chains complain they are being squeezed as reimbursement rates fall, combined with weak sales elsewhere in the store.
—Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2025
If rival clubs want to complain about the Guerrero contract, their most valid argument would be that the Jays should have locked him up for less money long ago.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complain
Jake Kanter, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2025
Mountains of garbage are said to be visible from space and people have complained of seeing rats as big as cats in the refuse.
—Arkansas Online, 8 Apr. 2025
But the major chains complain they are being squeezed as reimbursement rates fall, combined with weak sales elsewhere in the store.
—Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2025
If rival clubs want to complain about the Guerrero contract, their most valid argument would be that the Jays should have locked him up for less money long ago.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complain
Verb
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Callie hasn’t done much but whine about her suspension and yearn for a more meaningful connection with her mom this season, so a surprise killer role might shake things up for her storyline.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
21 Mar. 2025
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Sun Sentinel Dave Hyde: No need to overanalyze or whine — Heat suffering from Butler’s sabotage The Heat have lost eight straight games in a season gone south since Jimmy Butler quit on them and was traded.—
South Florida Sun Sentinel,
Sun Sentinel,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Polley’s Polley ends up (understandably) screaming in frustration when Matt pratfalls his way into the shot, a tantrum the indie director could hardly relate to as someone known for facilitating calm, peaceful productions on intimate character studies.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
9 Apr. 2025
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Players leaping and bouncing off each other, sprinting to the side of the floor to scream at elated supporters, falling into their coaches’ arms for long embraces as the confetti fell.—
Brian Hamilton,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Ramirez said the detectives had found belongings near the storm drain entrance and heard what sounded like a woman moaning from inside the storm drain.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Apr. 2025
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Others had their heads and arms bandaged and were lined up on stretchers, moaning.—
Sui-Lee Wee,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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One Republican senator said the Senate language has prompted grumbling among House Republicans that the instruction to the Senate Finance Committee sets too low of a deficit cap to accommodate all of Trump’s tax priorities, such as exempting tipped wages and Social Security benefits from taxation.—
Alexander Bolton,
The Hill,
5 Apr. 2025
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Meanwhile, some remaining shopkeepers are grumbling about the vacancies.—
David Hudnall,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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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
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Gray muttered at a moderator, pointing at the placard on the postgame table that proudly displayed his name: Hayden Gray.—
Luca Evans,
The Denver Post,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Critics worry that other anti-democratic actors will be taking cues from Bukele to curry favor with this particular president.—
David Catanese,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
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Victims of car collisions may have more to worry about as insurance companies warn drivers to be aware of a growing scam involving tow truck companies.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complain. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
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