COMPLAIN Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

complain

verb

kəm-ˈplān

Definition of complain

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

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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

Verb

Otherwise, there’s definitely a family-friendly element to the hotel (the whole storybook feel screams childhood), though the food options may be a little bit advanced for a kids’ palate.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
His career numbers – 24 touchdown passes against 22 interceptions – hardly scream program savior.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of scream

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

Homecoming aside, there’s still the Trawler to worry about, a fact we’re reminded of when another victim turns up on a playground, this time with a pentagram carved into his back and fish corpses shoved into his wounds.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
Bessent’s answer indicates that US officials worry going after Chinese banks would be crossing a red line.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of worry

Browse Nearby Words

complacent

complain

complainant

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“Complain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complain. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of complain

verb

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