complain crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the 'complain' crossword clue, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you across the finish line.
Solutions for "complain crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MOAN: To express dissatisfaction or unhappiness, often in a low, drawn-out sound.
KICK: To express strong objection or complaint, as in 'kick up a fuss'.
5 Letters
GRIPE: A minor complaint, or to express one repeatedly.
WHINE: To make a long, high-pitched cry, or to complain in a petulant or complaining tone.
6 Letters
GROUSE: To grumble or complain, typically about something trivial.
7 Letters
PROTEST: To express an objection to something; a formal complaint or demonstration.
9 Letters
GRIEVANCE: A real or imagined wrong or other cause for complaint or protest, especially unfair treatment.
9 Letters
BELLYACHE: To complain persistently and often peevishly.
More About "complain crossword clue"
'Complain' is a highly versatile clue in crosswords, often leading to a wide array of synonyms depending on the specific nuance the setter intends to convey and, crucially, the number of letters required for the answer. From a gentle 'MOAN' to a more forceful 'PROTEST', the context provided by other intersecting words is vital.
Crossword setters love words like 'complain' because they have both literal and figurative meanings, and many common phrases built around them. For instance, 'kick' might seem unusual at first, but in the context of 'kicking up a fuss', it perfectly fits the theme of complaining. Always consider if the clue is looking for a noun (the complaint itself) or a verb (the act of complaining).
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of letters in your potential answer to the number of available squares. This is the quickest way to narrow down possibilities for clues like 'complain'.
- Consider Nuance: Does the clue hint at a specific type of complaint (e.g., 'grumble' for GROUSE, 'whine' for WHINE)? Pay attention to adjectives or adverbs in the clue.
- Look for Idioms: Sometimes the clue for 'complain' isn't a direct synonym but an idiomatic phrase. Think about common expressions related to expressing dissatisfaction (e.g., 'kick up a fuss', 'have a beef').
- Use Cross-References: If you're stuck, fill in any intersecting letters from other solved clues. Even one or two letters can significantly help in identifying the correct 'complain' synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'complain' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'complain' often seen in crosswords include MOAN, GRIPE, WHINE, GROUSE, and sometimes more idiomatic expressions like KICK (as in 'kick up a fuss') or BEEF.
How does the word length affect 'complain' answers?
Word length is crucial. Short answers (e.g., 4-5 letters) typically point to direct synonyms like MOAN, KICK, or GRIPE. Longer answers (e.g., 7-10 letters) might refer to more descriptive or formal terms like PROTEST, GRIEVANCE, or BELLYACHE, or even phrases represented by a single word.
Are there any tricky 'complain' clues to watch out for?
Yes, 'complain' can be tricky! Clues might hint at specific types of complaints (e.g., 'petty complain' for GRIPE), or use less common synonyms. Watch for phrases like 'belly up' or 'make a fuss' which might lead to less obvious solutions like BELLYACHE or KICK. Always consider the nuance of the clue and surrounding letters.