complain 1 of 3

verb (1)

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

complaining

2 of 3

adjective

as in protesting

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

complaining

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle of complain
as in whining
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

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
Verb
Why would somebody who is complaining about the hot July sun also be contemplating a trip to Jamaica? — Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 19 July 2026 Trump continued to complain about election security, including noncitizen voting, in a White House speech July 16. — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 18 July 2026
Adjective
An energy vampire has bad body language, the complaining look on their face, the vocal complainer. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
The reporter quoted Pfleger himself complaining about how unfair the policies of investigation are, and posited that people are out to destroy him and to get money from the archdiocese. — Daily Southtown, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026 Tillis, who spent much of his time at the hearing complaining about the Biden administration, seemed positively inclined toward Blanche. — Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 16 July 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
  • The shooting of Fuentes Zambrano cannot be seen on the footage, but a woman’s screams and four additional shots can be heard, per the complaint.
    — Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
  • The key is to train the mind to relax, just chill, even though somebody’s at the doorbell, even though somebody’s walking into the kitchen, little kids screaming through the house.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2026
Definition of scream
Verb
  • In the short term, giving in to whining or a demand made during a tantrum can feel like the easier solution.
    — Melissa Willets, Parents, 19 July 2026
  • The snippet ends just as the cat whines and tucks its head beneath the barrier, not far from the officer filming the scene.
    — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
Definition of whine
Verb
  • The performers grind and moan as rain pours from above and a wind machine roars.
    — Lauren Oyler, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • Over four months in 2025, a state investigative report found, Sunrise switched Timaloa's room eight times, the last into one occupied by Attilio Cecchetto, 92, a retired tile installer whose dementia led him to frequently moan, mumble, and yell.
    — Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026
Definition of moan
Verb
  • There is much grumbling and disagreement at her meeting of the Small Council.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Fortune reported the weak yen has helped turn tourism into Japan’s second-largest export, with visitor spending surging even as some residents grumble about overtourism.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 19 July 2026
Definition of grumble
Verb
  • This was 1872, and the pious (and patronizing) commentators of the time muttered that Damien’s unvarnished personality was due to his simple farm upbringing in rural Belgium.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
  • Wilde read on social media that the tune actually inspired a movie theater meet-cute, as Nash mutters profanity mid-song.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 11 July 2026
Definition of mutter
Verb
  • While supporters say this is necessary for the UC to remain a leader in STEM fields, critics worry these tests are biased against low-income and minority students.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026
  • Substantive verses are new terrain for Lacy, who, as a younger writer, worried more about hooks and beats.
    — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 22 July 2026
Definition of worry

Browse Nearby Words

complacent
complain
complainant
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Cite this Entry

“Complain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complain. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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