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

Mourners beat their chests rhythmically in the intense summer heat, the wails of women cutting through the noise as the body of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was unveiled beneath a glass case at the Grand Mosalla.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
After a second of consideration, Naim slams the grate shut to the monster’s wails, and the audience’s relief.

— Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026

Definition of wail

Noun

Your eyes constantly produce a thin layer of basal tears to keep the cornea lubricated, and the duct quietly shuttles that trickle into the nose, where it’s absorbed or blended into normal nasal mucus without a trace.

— Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
The testimony elicited visible emotion from Celeste’s family — her mother wiped away tears — who remained in court throughout the testimony.

— Madeline Morrison, NBC news, 22 July 2026

Definition of tears

Noun

The dynamic underscores how Trump continues to view tariffs as a tool for exerting pressure, both for trade grievances and as leverage in broader negotiations.

— Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
In recent years, Engelbert’s communication style has been criticized and magnified by these players who aren’t afraid to air their grievances publicly.

— Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of grievance

Noun

Some 30 seconds into flight, lightning struck the rocket, leading to awestruck cries from crowds gathered nearby to watch the launch.

— Brett Tingley, Space.com, 24 July 2026
Now, a new documentary, created in association with Rolling Stone, is spotlighting the devoted fans that turned the comment into a global rallying cry.

— Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2026

Definition of cry

Noun

Fines aren’t the answer to the EU’s laments, but better third parties are.

— John Tamny, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
There was no immediate sign of unrest ‌on Thursday after Ben-Gvir’s visit on Tisha ‌B’Av, a day of fasting and lament in Judaism mourning the destruction of the ancient Jewish temples.

— Reuters, NBC news, 23 July 2026