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

Its embrace of antisemitic conspiracy theories allows men who see themselves as victims to explain multiple grievances at once without confronting their own shortcomings. —Miriam Eve Mora, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026

Production grievances aside, Ye was accompanied by two notable plus-ones during his set. —Adelle Platon, VIBE.com, 2 Apr. 2026

No grievance, no workplace conflict, no personal resentment ever excuses violence. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026

Something of a Hurley whisperer, who is there to translate what the coach wants – minus the additional adjectives – for his teammates, usually sitting and smirking while Hurley riffs on the grievance of the day. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026