GRIEVANCE Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'grievance' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of grievance are injury , injustice , and wrong . While all these words mean "an act that inflicts undeserved hurt," grievance applies to a circumstance or condition that constitutes an injustice to the sufferer and gives just ground for complaint. // a list of employee grievances

Q: When is 'injury' a more appropriate choice than 'grievance'?

While the synonyms injury and grievance are close in meaning, injury applies in law specifically to an injustice for which one may sue to recover compensation. // libel constitutes a legal injury

Q: When could 'injustice' be used to replace 'grievance'?

The words injustice and grievance can be used in similar contexts, but injustice applies to any act that involves unfairness to another or violation of one's rights. // the injustices suffered by the lower classes

Q: When is it sensible to use 'wrong' instead of 'grievance'?

In some situations, the words wrong and grievance are roughly equivalent. However, wrong applies also in law to any act punishable according to the criminal code; it may apply more generally to any flagrant injustice. // determined to right society's wrongs

grievance

noun

ˈgrē-vən(t)s

Definition of grievance next

as in resentment

a lingering ill will towards a person for a real or imagined wrong this is no place to air your grievances against him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in complaint

an expression of dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment she decided to file a formal grievance against the utility company

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun grievance contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of grievance are injury, injustice, and wrong. While all these words mean "an act that inflicts undeserved hurt," grievance applies to a circumstance or condition that constitutes an injustice to the sufferer and gives just ground for complaint.

a list of employee grievances

When is injury a more appropriate choice than grievance?

While the synonyms injury and grievance are close in meaning, injury applies in law specifically to an injustice for which one may sue to recover compensation.

libel constitutes a legal injury

When could injustice be used to replace grievance?

The words injustice and grievance can be used in similar contexts, but injustice applies to any act that involves unfairness to another or violation of one's rights.

the injustices suffered by the lower classes

When is it sensible to use wrong instead of grievance?

In some situations, the words wrong and grievance are roughly equivalent. However, wrong applies also in law to any act punishable according to the criminal code; it may apply more generally to any flagrant injustice.

determined to right society's wrongs

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 grievance So while the outcry over the severity of McDavid’s suspension may seem excessive to hockey fans outside Oil Country, the numbers suggest that the faithful do have a legitimate grievance about the officials’ tendency to look the other way. —

Carol Schram, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 However, chaos ensues as old grievances resurface, unexpected guests arrive, and the conversation spirals through today’s most sensitive issues. —

Leo Barraclough, Variety, 21 Jan. 2025 From a phone in the Kremlin, Burns listened to the Russian leader recite his usual bill of grievances—an expansionist NATO threatened Russian security; Zelensky was the illegitimate leader of a non-country. —

Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2025 Butler’s current seven-game suspension will cost Butler a total of about $2.4 million in salary, although the National Basketball Players Association intends to file a grievance to dispute the suspension in hopes of recouping some of that money. —

Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for grievance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grievance

Noun

This approach, Tu believes, can help prevent financial resentment and ensure that both partners retain a sense of independence.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
But over time, the glow of recognition can fade, replaced by exhaustion, resentment and the unsettling feeling that you’re being relied upon but not necessarily valued.

— Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025