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

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 grievance Cartaya’s allies had their own grievances. Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025 In lieu of a musical score, their dramatic rhythms shape each scene, resulting in simmering tensions that emerge gradually and organically, as Nourou and Maja refuse to acknowledge the personal and professional grievances that prevent them from forging a lasting love. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025 Just one man seamlessly weaving soul-stirring vocals, masterful guitar, piano, and bass instrumentals, and vivid narration into an experience so intimate and mesmerizing, the absence of a phone became a gift rather than a grievance. Essence, 24 Sep. 2025 In counties in New York and Pennsylvania, drivers have also had grievances with the company. Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grievance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grievance
Noun
  • Unspoken resentment clouding a connection?
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The news sparked an immediate wave of resentment — and one parody social media account.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The decision to place Hauck on leave followed three complaints accusing him of inappropriate speech on multiple occasions, according to records received via a Freedom of Information Act request.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The station chief filed a complaint with the State Department’s Office of the Inspector General, charging that Manes had unfairly dismissed him, among other allegations.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That’s a long grudge that Ben holds.
    Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
  • There’s the Herschel Walker trade, the Charles Haley trade, and the long grudge between Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson.
    Jon Machota, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The unfiltered electric soundtrack of the Evija goes from a piercing whine to an ear-splitting shriek.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Moscow’s escalating air war and the distinctive whine of Shaheds is now forcing Ukrainians out of their beds and into shelters and metro stations on an almost-nightly basis.
    Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Stop in to see what all the fuss is about.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The ongoing lawsuit isn't the first time the FTC has made a fuss about Amazon's operations recently.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Most of these are held in a tent, from which loud, ecstatic moans can be heard for seemingly miles around.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Out comes another moan, this one closer to a laugh as Brandon’s face flashes a smile.
    Scott Craven, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grievance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grievance. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on grievance

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