1
as in whines
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in objections
a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent
the condo development proceeded despite the complaints of the neighborhood residents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in indictments
a formal claim of criminal wrongdoing against a person
filed a complaint in court
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in illnesses
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
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 complaints
Earlier Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended his agency’s detention standards on Capitol Hill amid complaints about ICE’s Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark, New Jersey.
—
Laura Strickler, NBC news, 3 June 2026
The ultimate winning candidate in the race will lead the California Department of Insurance, which is responsible for approving rate increases for home and auto policies, investigating complaints about insurers and enforcing consumer protections.
—Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
Meta, which operates the data center at the center of the issue, said its staff commissioned an independent groundwater study following residents' complaints.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Other complaints were pickleball-focused.
—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026
And that list of 27 complaints against the king in the Declaration of Independence?
—Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
On paper, eight signature events on the calendar do not feel like too many, but the placement of them is where the issues and complaints arrive.
—Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
Whether Glasner was justified or not in his complaints, a prolonged period of poor form, stretching back well over a month, coupled with his outbursts, led to questions over his future.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
After a flood of complaints about the Google Health app that just replaced Fitbit, Google has responded with a list of changes that will roll out starting this week.
—Stevie Bonifield, The Verge, 27 May 2026
Laura Strickler, NBC news, 3 June 2026
The ultimate winning candidate in the race will lead the California Department of Insurance, which is responsible for approving rate increases for home and auto policies, investigating complaints about insurers and enforcing consumer protections.
—Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
Meta, which operates the data center at the center of the issue, said its staff commissioned an independent groundwater study following residents' complaints.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Other complaints were pickleball-focused.
—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026
And that list of 27 complaints against the king in the Declaration of Independence?
—Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
On paper, eight signature events on the calendar do not feel like too many, but the placement of them is where the issues and complaints arrive.
—Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
Whether Glasner was justified or not in his complaints, a prolonged period of poor form, stretching back well over a month, coupled with his outbursts, led to questions over his future.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
After a flood of complaints about the Google Health app that just replaced Fitbit, Google has responded with a list of changes that will roll out starting this week.
—Stevie Bonifield, The Verge, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complaints
Noun
-
With no objections and the window for objections having ended, the USPTO is expected to register QuadGod to Malinin, and that registration should occur in a matter of weeks.—
Sara Germano,
Sportico.com,
3 June 2026
-
In the felony battery case, the court later granted Jimenez’s request to participate in the mental health diversion program despite the prosecutor’s objections, Gire said Monday.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
The indictments, and the case itself, broke up a scandal that had been boiling underneath the surface.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
-
Overall, the operation netted 1,139 arrests, 984 firearm seizures, and 615 criminal indictments, according to an FBI document reviewed by Fox News Digital.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
This is why wastewater can give us a better picture of the prevalence of illnesses not always easily detected in a healthcare setting, said Bidwell, especially because most people recover at home without seeing a doctor or being formally diagnosed.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
-
Community engagement remains crucial, especially since early Ebola symptoms can resemble other illnesses.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Few things are going right for the 2026 Red Sox, but Wong’s almost-goner ranks among the most irksome grievances.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
-
After the fall-from-ahead defeat in Dallas on Thursday, Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon aired her grievances about the game’s officiating.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
On-field treatment delay Players who require on-field treatment from medical staff will have to leave the field of play for one minute after the restart, bar notable exceptions.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
-
The code says harassment can include negative or disparaging comments about a participant’s gender identity, lists no exceptions and says harassment violations can lead to discipline, including suspension or expulsion from OBRA.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Why are vote counts slow in California?—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
-
He has also been charged with multiple counts of theft, burglary, criminal property damage, unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, and unauthorized control of propelled vehicle, according to police.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Those advocating for a fundamental reset — including Newsom, businesses, cities and counties — say a cottage industry of consultants and attorneys have morphed the claim process to include common ailments such as high blood pressure and toenail fungus.—
Joe Rubin,
Sacbee.com,
28 May 2026
-
Not only that, but Jill said physical ailments were also taking their toll on the career politician.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
The moans announced the doubt throughout Riviera’s 18th green amphitheater, a bowl full of thousands of fans unsure if the new guy could do it.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
-
At the moment that B’Tselem says Hathaleen collapsed, the visuals are jostled but moans of pain can be heard.—
Sam Metz,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complaints.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complaints. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
