complain

verb

kəm-ˈplān How to pronounce complain (audio)
Definition of complainnext
as in to scream
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely the time-honored tradition of new recruits complaining about the food in the mess hall

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 complain Jordan has complained about not getting proper opportunities in NXT as of late. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Some critics, however, have complained that some of the temple’s original features were lost in the remodel. — Brandon Griggs, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 For years, residents in Milpitas, parts of San Jose, and even Fremont have complained about a foul, rotten egg-like smell coming from the Newby Island Landfill near Interstate Highway 880. — Da Lin, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 SpaceX has introduced a new Starlink plan for small boat owners who sail internationally after the maritime community complained the satellite internet service was pricing them out. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complain
  1. scream
  2. whine
  3. moan
  4. grumble
  5. mutter
  6. worry
Verb
  • There's a 50% chance the drivers in this photo are screaming.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Baltimore is an even 69-69 after Cowser’s heroics, and though that record doesn’t usually scream postseason bound at this time of year, the American League hasn’t been as strong as years past.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of scream
Verb
  • Quit whining about the stupid catch, quit whining about Jazz stealing third, and maybe start talking about how the Red Sox were a complete no-show all weekend long.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The state compared Atrium to a soccer team whining about the referees.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of whine
Verb
  • Endo is the sixth choice midfielder and someone who never moans about his place in the pecking order.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Hall wrote in his report that Hamilton lay down in the backseat of the police vehicle, moaning and not responding, prompting first responders to give him Narcan.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of moan
Verb
  • Gamer grumbles The GTA 6 preview follows a mixed reaction from players to the news that GTA 6 would only be released as a digital download, with no physical disc.
    — Jenni Reid,Alex Buckmaster, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There was, unshockingly, grumbling around several of these expansions, too.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of grumble
Verb
  • When John finally reunites with Hal (who charges the ring against the lantern while quickly muttering his oath), the frustrated protégé immediately confronts his teacher with all the suspicions he was meant to keep secret.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • That’s when Way mutters the p-word — under his breath for plausible deniability, but certainly still with the intention of being heard, smirking at the sound of my laughter.
    — Selome Hailu, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of mutter
Verb
  • The lack of federal guidance, conflicting messages and potential barriers to immunizations worry public health officials because vaccination rates are already falling, leading to resurgences of dangerous diseases like measles.
    — Rob Stein, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Their narrators worry about the corruption of their music scenes by news presenters, magazine writers, major-label scouts, and (for Goetz especially) academics.
    — Robert Rubsam, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of worry

Browse Nearby Words

complacent
complain
complainant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Complain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complain. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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