special pleading

noun

|Updated on: 5 May 2018

Definition of special pleading

1 : the allegation of special or new matter to offset the effect of matter pleaded by the opposite side and admitted, as distinguished from a direct denial of the matter pleaded

2 : misleading argument that presents one point or phase as if it covered the entire question at issue

Recent Examples of special pleading from the Web

This is an outstanding example of special pleading on behalf of the wealthy.

— michael hiltzik, latimes.com, "Steve Mnuchin finally finds a respectful audience in Southern California," 30 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'special pleading.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.