complained

past tense of complain

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 complained Others have complained of breaks, tears, contusions, and concussions. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025 Local governments in provinces like Gansu, Guizhou, and Inner Mongolia are offering new incentives after tech giants including ByteDance, Alibaba, and Tencent complained that Chinese chips from Huawei and Cambricon were less energy-efficient and costlier to run. Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025 San Diego’s oversized vehicle ordinance became law in 2014 after residents complained about vehicles being parked for weeks or months in neighborhoods, blocking driveways and views and affecting public sanitation. Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025 Some Cubans affected by the storm have complained on social media that local authorities did not provide transportation to evacuate residents, or have delivered aid afterward. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025 Both Bangladesh and India have complained that the project could make the region less stable. Pintu Kumar Mahla, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025 Initially, the Kruegers complained to police, but were told there was nothing the authorities could do unless the harasser tried to harm them physically. Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025 Rookies fell out with their bosses all the time, who, in turn, complained about the impossibility of getting good help these days. Snigdha Poonam, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025 Her initial lawsuit included how Cole allegedly complained about Merrill making a remark to her. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complained
Verb
  • Steve screamed, as those around him celebrated.
    Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Across America, Halloween spending is expected to reach record levels this year, including large crowds waiting for their chance to be chased, startled and screamed at.
    Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • From the other room, the victim moaned.
    Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Yankees fans have moaned and groaned about Aaron Boone’s deployment of Williams in crucial situations this season, and it’s only exacerbated now that every game counts in the postseason race.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • As for one consistent complaint heard muttered amid bleary-eyed guests of the former Standard, Schrager confirms the appropriate adjustments have been made.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2025
  • But the other 3%, often muttered by students prospectively examining transfer applications, is distinct.
    Noah White, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Once the launchpad for Oscar juggernauts from Slumdog Millionaire to La La Land, TIFF has in recent years watched rivals Venice and Telluride siphon away its prestige premieres, while buyers grumbled about thinner slates and softer deal flow.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2025
  • His son hugged him, and Frazier grumbled with his team about what might have been.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And the company’s rich valuation has stoked skepticism among some investors worried about an AI bubble.
    Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Heading into last offseason, the Guardians worried about the state of their starting pitching.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complained. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

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