Plaintiffs are individuals or groups who bring a legal action against someone else in a civil court. Some common synonyms for plaintiffs include claimants, accusers, litigants, petitioners, complainants, and suers. Each term carries a slightly different connotation, but all refer to the person or people initiating legal action. Claimants typically seek compensation for a loss or damage, while accusers typically bring criminal charges. Litigants and petitioners typically refer to those who file a formal complaint or suit, while complainants and suers generally denote those who express a grievance and seek legal remedy. Regardless of the term used, all plaintiffs seek to resolve legal disputes through the court system.