Synonyms of complaint

complaint

noun

kəm-ˈplānt 

1

as in grievance

an expression of dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment

a warning that if there were any more complaints, we were turning around and not going to the beach after all

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grievance
• whine
• moan
• fuss
• lament
• bitch
• gripe
• whimper
• objection
• grouse
• grumble
• murmur
• plaint
• protest
• beef
• squawk
• wail
• bleat
• whinge
• carp
• holler
• challenge
• grouch
• remonstrance
• quibble
• kvetch
• yammer
• miserere
• expostulation
• demur
• stink
• niggle
• kick

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• compliment
• commendation
• praise
• approval
• applause
• acclaim
• plaudit
• sanction
• endorsement

2

as in objection

a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent

the condo development proceeded despite the complaints of the neighborhood residents

Synonyms & Similar Words

• objection
• exception
• question
• protest
• criticism
• challenge
• fuss
• demurrer
• remonstrance
• difficulty
• demur
• expostulation
• stink
• suspicion
• dispute
• demurral
• doubt
• qualm
• dissent
• misunderstanding
• quibble
• argument
• quarrel
• kick
• skepticism
• squabble
• censure
• compunction
• misgiving
• debate
• cavil
• reluctance
• scruple
• disobedience
• distrust
• uncertainty
• mistrust
• unease
• niggle
• reservation
• conflict
• static
• rebellion
• uneasiness
• unwillingness
• dubitation
• defiance
• hassle
• mistrustfulness
• dubiety
• distrustfulness
• misdoubt
• indetermination
• incertitude
• qualmishness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approval
• agreement
• willingness
• sanction
• acceptance
• compliance
• assent
• acquiescence
• obedience

3

as in indictment

a formal claim of criminal wrongdoing against a person

filed a complaint in court

Synonyms & Similar Words

• indictment
• count
• allegation
• charge
• accusation
• rap
• plea
• impeachment
• condemnation
• implication
• insinuation
• denunciation
• censure
• innuendo
• arraignment
• crimination
• counteraccusation
• imputation
• countercharge
• incrimination
• recrimination

4

as in disease

an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning

takes a slew of medicines for his many complaints

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disease
• ailment
• illness
• ill
• condition
• fever
• bug
• disorder
• sickness
• attack
• infection
• complication
• malady
• trouble
• ail
• infirmity
• distemper
• plague
• affection
• distemperature
• contagious disease
• contagion
• matter
• lameness
• feebleness
• bout
• spell
• contagium
• fit
• epidemic
• unsoundness
• debility
• malaise
• weakness
• decrepitude
• pestilence
• unhealthiness
• sickliness
• pip
• unwellness
• pest
• frailness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• health
• wellness
• soundness
• fitness
• robustness
• shape
• wholeness
• wholesomeness
• heartiness
• healthiness
• fettle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of complaint

In reality, there were few complaints from any voting places on election day or from candidates sweating out the final counts in close races. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026

In 2017, Bellum Entertainment’s freelancers and staff claimed they weren’t getting paid and filed complaints with the California labor commissioner. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026

The Florida Bar’s 11th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee has found probable cause for a Bar complaint that accuses Coral Gables attorney and former Florida Bar president Roland Sanchez-Medina of 17 professional conduct violations. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026

He was also accused of supplying resources or assistance for an international murder plot, according to a Justice Department complaint. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026