complaining 1 of 2

Definition of complainingnext

complaining

2 of 2

verb

present participle of complain

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 complaining
Verb
Their relationship continued into the next year, 2018, when Lutnick emailed Epstein apparently complaining about an expansion plan for their neighboring Frick Collection art museum. Daniel Ruetenik, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026 The action comes as the legal gambling industry has been complaining that the state’s new per-wager tax on sports betting is driving gamblers to unlicensed websites. Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026 Administration officials said the plan will help the West move beyond complaining about the problem of access to critical minerals to actually solving it. Didi Tang, Arkansas Online, 5 Feb. 2026 Administration officials said the plan will help the West move beyond complaining about the problem of access to critical minerals to actually solving it. Didi Tang, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026 That’s not just because there are complaining parents, whining students, and threatening administrators. Mitch Zimmer, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026 Spousal involvement with an AI is a growing reason for divorce, with partners complaining about the amount of time and money their spouses were spending on their AI relationship. Lori Andrews, Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2026 Emissions from the turbines led to community uproar, with residents complaining of a stench, health problems and an inability to keep their windows open at home. Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026 But who's complaining about that? Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complaining
Adjective
  • The death toll includes at least 19 children, 21 non-protesting civilians, and 165 in government or security forces.
    The Hill, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2026
  • Among the dead were 13 children and 14 non-protesting civilians, HRANA said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But students who are spending their time protesting, whining about the grading system and seeking easy classes don’t seem to fit that mold.
    Mitch Zimmer, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Some had noisy bearings, which could sound like a whining noise.
    John Paul, The Providence Journal, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In the fourth quarter, Hornets coach Charles Lee was tossed from the game and needed to be held back after screaming at officials following a no-call when his player, Grant Williams, collided with Pistons’ Paul Reed.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Police were notified that the man, later identified as Justin Rich, was screaming and damaging cars.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • While Slot was moaning about having to play two away matches in four days (and about missing a couple of key players), Emery, also without important figures such as Boubacar Kamara, was overseeing his Villa side playing the same tough schedule and win both games without conceding a goal.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
  • While lying on the pavement, he could be heard moaning as an officer shouted at him not to move.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 13 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The volume has gone up again since Ruben Amorim’s recent departure, muttering darkly about Gary Neville’s outside influence in particular.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026
  • The older lady who was muttering to herself in casting is there.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Some ponied up, even while grumbling online.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • My father was also sullen from the vodka, and after grumbling some would fall asleep on his grungy sleeper berth.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But then over here, rumblings about the future of the company and people worrying what does this mean not only for themselves but for the prospects of Rolling Stone, which is a life mantra and mission that people came from all over the world to be a part of.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Boaters who call North Point Marina their homeport during the boating season can stop worrying over where to moor their vessels.
    Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complaining. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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