complain crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "complain crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "complain crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MOAN: To utter a low sound expressing pain or discontent.
5 Letters
GRIPE: To express a minor complaint or grievance.
WHINE: To make a long, high-pitched cry or sound, typically of pain or distress.
6 Letters
GROUSE: To grumble or complain, especially about something trivial.
LAMENT: To express sorrow, regret, or unhappiness about something.
7 Letters
PROTEST: To express an objection to or disapproval of something.
9 Letters
BELLYACHE: An informal term for a complaint, especially a trivial one.
More About "complain crossword clue"
The clue "complain" is a frequent visitor in crossword puzzles due to the rich variety of synonyms available in the English language, each with subtle nuances. These nuances often provide the key to unlocking the correct answer, as crossword constructors love to play on precise meanings. For instance, a clue might hint at a 'low grumble' leading to MOAN, or a 'petty grievance' suggesting GRIPE.
Understanding the context is vital. Is the complaint verbal, a written objection, or an emotional expression? The surrounding clues, the puzzle's theme, and the overall tone can help you decipher which specific form of 'complain' the setter is looking for. Paying attention to these details will significantly improve your solving speed and accuracy for this type of clue.
Sometimes, the clue might be a verb in the past tense or present participle, like "complained" or "complaining." In such cases, remember to adjust your chosen answer accordingly, looking for words like MOANED, GRIPING, or WHINED. Always match the tense and form of the clue with your intended solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Word Length: Always start by counting the boxes. This is your most powerful tool to filter out incorrect answers instantly, especially for clues like "complain" with many possible synonyms.
- Consider Nuance: Think about the specific type of "complaint" implied. Is it a loud protest, a quiet grumble, or a pained moan? The more precise the synonym, the higher the chance it's the correct answer.
- Check Crosses: Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. Even one confirmed letter can dramatically narrow down the possibilities for "complain," confirming whether it's MOAN, GRIPE, or GROUSE.
- Look for Homophones/Puns: While "complain" is often direct, some clues can be tricky. Be aware of sound-alike words or phrases that might be hidden within the clue, though this is less common for straightforward synonyms like those for 'complain'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common synonyms for 'complain' used in crossword clues?
Common synonyms for 'complain' found in crossword clues often include words like GRIPE, MOAN, WHINE, GROUSE, PROTEST, and LAMENT. The specific context or number of letters usually helps narrow down the correct answer.
How does the number of letters help solve 'complain' clues?
The number of letters is a critical constraint in crosswords. If you have a 'complain' clue and know it's a 5-letter word, you can quickly eliminate possibilities like MOAN (4 letters) or PROTEST (7 letters), focusing on words like GRIPE or WHINE.
Can a 'complain' clue refer to a sound?
Yes, 'complain' can certainly refer to a sound. Words like MOAN or WHINE imply both the act of complaining and the specific sound associated with it. Crossword setters often use these dual meanings to create tricky but fair clues.