Synonyms of grievance

grievance

noun

ˈgrē-vən(t)s 

1

as in resentment

a lingering ill will towards a person for a real or imagined wrong

this is no place to air your grievances against him

Synonyms & Similar Words

• resentment
• grudge
• score
• hostility
• complaint
• bitterness
• condemnation
• malice
• spite
• down
• animosity
• offense
• umbrage
• enmity
• antagonism
• malevolence
• spleen
• antipathy
• rancor
• meanness
• venom
• viciousness
• despite
• dudgeon
• spitefulness
• pique
• hatefulness
• maliciousness
• huff
• peeve
• nastiness

2

as in complaint

an expression of dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment

she decided to file a formal grievance against the utility company

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun grievance contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of grievance are injury, injustice, and wrong. While all these words mean "an act that inflicts undeserved hurt," grievance applies to a circumstance or condition that constitutes an injustice to the sufferer and gives just ground for complaint.

a list of employee grievances

When is injury a more appropriate choice than grievance?

While the synonyms injury and grievance are close in meaning, injury applies in law specifically to an injustice for which one may sue to recover compensation.

libel constitutes a legal injury

When could injustice be used to replace grievance?

The words injustice and grievance can be used in similar contexts, but injustice applies to any act that involves unfairness to another or violation of one's rights.

the injustices suffered by the lower classes

When is it sensible to use wrong instead of grievance?

In some situations, the words wrong and grievance are roughly equivalent. However, wrong applies also in law to any act punishable according to the criminal code; it may apply more generally to any flagrant injustice.

determined to right society's wrongs

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of grievance

Social media became a running chronicle of the movement, helping transform an exam grievance into a national conversation. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 28 July 2026

The union’s bargaining unit, AFSCME 31, has filed a grievance, claiming the Institute violated the terms of the contract by not providing notice before finalizing the decision to outsource the department. — News Desk, Artforum, 28 July 2026

In each case, a single incident acted not as the sole cause of the unrest, but as the spark that brought existing grievances into the open. — Šumit Ganguly, NPR, 27 July 2026

Reparations serve as redress—indemnity through compensation, addressing grievances, and tending to wounds. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026