| NIGGLE | A petty complaint or criticism (6) |
| QUIBBLE | A petty complaint about Bible, following first half of quiz (7) |
| SQUAWK | Raucous cry of a jay, parrot etc; a complaint; or, a transponder code (6) |
| GROUSE | Grumble or petty complaint (6) |
| UPHOLD | Confirm, agree with (a complaint or claim) (6) |
| SEVERE | Harsh, as a storm or criticism |
| PICKON | To single out for abuse or criticism (4,2) |
| BEDBUG | Teacher with complaint or problem after retiring |
| PEEVES | Petty complaints |
| GRIPES | Petty complaints |
| KNOCK | A postman/visitor's rap on a door; noise of a car with a flaw; or, a blow or criticism, sending one to the floor (5) |
| GRUMBLE | A bellyache, complaint or grouse; or, a low murmur, as in the sound of thunder or a hungry stomach (7) |
| PEEP | A glimpse; a sandpiper; a feeble complaint; or, a group of chickens (4) |
| COMMONCOLD | Vulgar, unfriendly, making petty complaint (6,4) |
| SACREDCOW | Something that is immune from question or criticism (6,3) |
| COMMENT | A remark, observation or criticism (7) |
| RIPOSTE | A quick, clever answer to an insult or criticism (7) |
| DIATRIBE | A violent attack or criticism (8) |
| NIT | Small complaint or a tiny louse |
| HANGOUT | Chinese complaint or a place to chill? (7) |
