Complain — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /kəm-ˈplān/ com·plain

Meaning & Definition of Complain

Complain (verb)

  1. to express grief, pain, or discontent
  2. to make a formal accusation or charge

Complain (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely

    "the time-honored tradition of new recruits complaining about the food in the mess hall"

    similar: beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, growl, grumble, grump, holler, inveigh, keen, kick, kvetch, maunder (chiefly British), moan, murmur, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, whinge (British), yammer, yawp, yowl, kick up a fuss
    related: object (to), protest, quarrel (with), cavil, quibble, fret, stew, worry, blubber, cry, sob, bemoan, bewail, deplore, lament
    opposite: crow, delight, rejoice
    near: accept, bear, countenance, endure, take, tolerate, applaud, cheer, commend

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Complain

The most common words with a similar meaning to Complain:

Chiefly British: maunder
British: whinge
beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, growl, grumble, grump, holler, inveigh, keen, kick, kvetch, moan, murmur, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, yammer, yawp, yowl, kick up a fuss

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Complain

Words with the opposite meaning of Complain:

crow, delight, rejoice

Related Words for Complain

object (to), protest, quarrel (with), cavil, quibble, fret, stew, worry, blubber, cry, sob, bemoan, bewail, deplore, lament

Near Antonyms of Complain

accept, bear, countenance, endure, take, tolerate, applaud, cheer, commend

Word Forms of Complain

Inflections: complained, complaining, complains

Derived words: complainer (noun), complainingly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Complain

Middle English compleynen, from Anglo-French compleindre, from Vulgar Latin *complangere, from Latin com- + plangere to lament plaint

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Complain

Words & Phrases Containing Complain

can't complain

Frequently Asked Questions about Complain

What does "Complain" mean?

"Complain" means to express grief, pain, or discontent. As a verb, it is defined as: to express grief, pain, or discontent.

What is another word for "Complain"?

Other words for "Complain" include beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, crab and croak. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Complain" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Complain"?

There are 53 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Complain". Common alternatives include beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, crab, croak, fuss and gripe.

What is the opposite of "Complain"?

Antonyms of "Complain" include crow, delight and rejoice. Near antonyms include accept, bear, countenance and endure.

How do you use "Complain" in a sentence?

Examples of "Complain" in a sentence: "the time-honored tradition of new recruits complaining about the food in the mess hall".

Is "Complain" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Complain" is a verb.

Is "Complain" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Complain" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Complain"?

"Complain" is pronounced /kəm-ˈplān/ and divided into syllables as com·plain.