COMPLAINED Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

complained

verb

past tense of complain

as in screamed

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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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 Kenya’s global athletics icons, including 1500m world-record holder Faith Kipyegon, have complained over the poor state of training facilities across the country. — Martin K.n Siele, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Haitian police officers have complained that the foreign soldiers are reluctant to confront gangs or hold territory taken back from gangs. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026 Some viewers have complained that the game doesn’t feel as tense as usual, saying a couple of celebrities have contributed to a lacklustre few episodes. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2026 Nearly 30 people complained of throat pain and feeling unwell. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 Authorities began investigating McDermitt closer and discovered another woman had complained about him at work. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2026 The candidates have clashed on the issue as consumers complained about the high costs. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026 Some nearby residents complained of booming bass, late nights, and traffic blocking access to their homes. — Elle McLogan, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 But when the client, Xiuying Zhu, complained about the services, Dong sent her another bill for $1,500, along with a letter purportedly signed by an attorney. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for complained

Verb

Rays third baseman Junior Caminero screamed in the dugout after Milwaukee had rallied to tie the game.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Still only a teenager whose magical passes screamed louder than any of his two-word interview answers ever could, Doncic didn’t say a word with Real Madrid, his longtime Spanish agent Quique Villalobos said.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of screamed

Verb

Unlike last year when Texas coach Steve Sarkisian whined about his non-conference schedule, his main complaint this year will be his conference schedule.

— Mac Engel October 25, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2026
Post-Covid, Hollywood has whined about the falloff for MPA fare in Pan Asian territories, particularly the once-robust South Korea.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 28 July 2026

Definition of whined

Verb

Cramer also worried about rising rates, which would make capital even more scarce as Nvidia 's Jensen Huang suggested during an interview on Morning Call.

— Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
When the ethics package passed this summer, a few aldermen worried these restrictions could make running for office more complicated and discourage candidates who want to run for local office for the first time.

— Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of worried

Verb

Since then, Barkley has growled at several other people, and all but one have been diagnosed with some type of cancer, Dozier said.

— Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2026
At the other end of our road, the cranes of the docks loomed — great Stothert and Pitt machines that growled overhead like something out of Star Wars, guarding the scale and mystery of the River Thames.

— Lee Clayton, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of growled

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complainants

complained

complainer

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“Complained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complained. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of complained

verb

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