complain 1 of 3

Definition of complainnext

complaining

2 of 3

adjective

complaining

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle 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 complain
Verb
At the end of the segment, Maher complained that the White House dinner ultimately led to being attacked from all sides. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Feb. 2026 And, of course, many in Springsteen’s core demographic rarely buy tickets anymore and still complain about anything above 1985 prices… although no one can be blamed for having their eyes widen upon first exposure to the higher tiers here. Chris Willman, Variety, 21 Feb. 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
But the new uniforms flopped spectacularly upon their debut in spring training, with players complaining that the jerseys looked cheap, felt papery and that the names on the back were too small. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026 Now, with a five-day trial set for April 20, the Source is complaining about another uptick in dust at its food hall and market while Mountain Cement is, again, pushing back on such claims. Justin Wingerter, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complain
protesting
Adjective
  • The death toll includes at least 19 children, 21 non-protesting civilians, and 165 in government or security forces.
    The Hill, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2026
  • Among the dead were 13 children and 14 non-protesting civilians, HRANA said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Complain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complain. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on complain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster