complainant

noun

com·​plain·​ant kəm-ˈplā-nənt How to pronounce complainant (audio)
Synonyms of complainantnext
1
: the party who makes the complaint in a legal action or proceeding
2
: one who complains

Synonyms of complainant

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Examples of complainant in a Sentence

the complainant charged that the defendant had broken the ironclad contract that both had signed
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Charlotte Observer found the officers are listed as complainants in nearly 350 cases in Mecklenburg County. — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026 The court then heard from the sixth complainant in the case, who also spoke from behind a blue screen. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026 In the afternoon, the fifth complainant’s police interview played for the jury. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026 Ofcom will now take representations from both sides before making its decision, and this could include a private hearing with the complainant, 5 and producer Wonderhood Studios. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complainant

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of complainant was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

complain
complainant
complainer
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Cite this Entry

“Complainant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complainant. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

complainant

noun
com·​plain·​ant kəm-ˈplā-nənt How to pronounce complainant (audio)
1
: one who makes a legal complaint
2
: one who complains

Legal Definition

complainant

noun
com·​plain·​ant kəm-ˈplā-nənt How to pronounce complainant (audio)
: the party (as a plaintiff or petitioner) who makes the complaint in a legal action or proceeding
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