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

Jadon MacCormack is a nest of grievances with the modern world. —Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2026

However, arriving with a list of grievances can quickly alter the mood of the gathering. —Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 6 June 2026

The experience left a lasting impression on the family and ultimately prompted Llorca to file a grievance with the hospital. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026

Do members of the rank and file attend union meetings, defend the contract by filing grievances when needed, and support each other while on the job? —John Vukmirovich, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026