Entry Word: plea

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 an earnest request <the student made an impassioned plea for more time to finish the test>

Synonyms appeal, cry, entreaty, petition, prayer, solicitation, suit, supplication

Related Words application; call, demand, insistence

2 an explanation that frees one from fault or blame <my only plea is that Iʼve been overworked lately> — see excuse