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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in protesting
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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
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Recent Examples of complain
Sam Lee, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
The guests complained about the strong smell of smoke in a rental one time, but OdoBan got rid of it when the expensive enzyme sprays didn't.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 31 Jan. 2026
Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 28 Jan. 2026
Hundreds of Orange County parents packed into school cafeterias in the past two weeks to vent their frustrations about plans to close seven public schools, complaining the decisions were made without their input and sharing fears that switching schools will hurt their children’s education.
—Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complain
Verb
But the co-commentator notes that Gundogan does not complain, and apart from a brief questioning spread of his arms from David Silva, neither does any other City player.
—Sam Lee, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
The guests complained about the strong smell of smoke in a rental one time, but OdoBan got rid of it when the expensive enzyme sprays didn't.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
Whitney called out Meredith for complaining about production during the reunion.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 28 Jan. 2026
Hundreds of Orange County parents packed into school cafeterias in the past two weeks to vent their frustrations about plans to close seven public schools, complaining the decisions were made without their input and sharing fears that switching schools will hurt their children’s education.
—Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Jan. 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
Cite this Entry
“Complain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complain. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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