PLAINT Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

plaint

noun

ˈplānt

Definition of plaint

as in lamentation

a crying out in grief the day after the massacre the plaints of bereaved mothers and wives could be heard throughout the village

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in complaint

an expression of dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment that taxes are too high is perhaps the most perennial of plaints

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 plaint Like Emanuel and his comrades, Harper and his film go a meaningful way in asking and offering an answer to that plaint. — Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026 Gay’s plaint is a variation of the good speakers are born belief. — Jerry Weissman, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 This wry, lovelorn plaint is a cagey display of subtle dynamics and counterpoint on a lone electric guitar. — Jon Pareles, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for plaint

Noun

Ḥusayn’s death became for the Shiʿah a symbol of selfless resistance against worldly injustice and tyranny and is commemorated with lamentation each year on Ashura.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 July 2026
Moments of humor sit alongside lamentation and ritual intensity, underscoring the exhibition’s refusal of a single, fixed reading.

— George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 20 Apr. 2026

Definition of lamentation

Noun

The singer’s complaint seeks a jury trial and compensatory damages of over $75,000.

— Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
When reached for comment on LeVota’s letter, which The Star obtained this week, Garza’s attorney Brianne Thomas called it an act of retaliation and provided a copy of Garza’s complaint to The Star.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of complaint

Noun

And one of the most common causes is a problem with the meibomian glands, the oil glands in the eyelids that keep tears from drying up too fast.

— Maria Godoy, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
Game 99 at Gold Coast provided a good rehearsal for Arrow’s big night in Sydney, but brought humour through the tears.

— Michael Bailey, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of tears

Noun

The notion is that only those with a real stake in the dispute, not a generalized grievance, have the right to a hearing.

— Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
Food price spikes can also exacerbate grievances and lead to riots that destabilize governments; anger over hunger, for example, set the conditions for the Arab Spring protests.

— Anna Nelson, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of grievance

Noun

Yell, scream, jeer, cry, wail, plead—but don’t dare do it while the players are still hitting the ball.

— Corey Seymour, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Notably, in October 2025, Shepherd even revealed that founding host Barbara Walters was tough on her during her tenure, to the point of making her cry.

— Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of cry

Noun

That ambiguity is echoed in Banks’ score, which takes on the tone of a lament and a celebration, frustration and hope, struggle and liberation, the quest for transcendence in the face of the challenges posed by daunting inequities.

— George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
The other main track of Diamanda’s career is her interpretations of old standards, Gospel songs, laments, and folk tunes.

— Matt Thompson, SPIN, 21 Aug. 2026