plead

verb

ˈplēd How to pronounce plead (audio)
Definition of pleadnext
as in to argue
to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration can I plead temporary insanity for having made that foolish decision?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 plead His criminal record includes pleading guilty in 2021 to felony possession with intent to sell Schedule II narcotics, which resulted in a prison sentence of two years and nine months, court documents say. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026 Brian Hickerson dated Panettiere on and off since 2018; he was arrested several times in the subsequent years for domestic abuse and, at one point, pleaded no contest to two felony charges related to an assault against Panettiere. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026 Bagwell pleaded no contest to robbery and in March was sentenced to three years in state prison, records show. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026 Six other people who bought remains from Cedric Lodge also pleaded guilty and have been sentenced, according to Harvard. — Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plead
  1. argue
  2. contend
  3. reason
  4. convince
  5. insist
  6. assert
Verb
  • Opponents argue that the nation that won its independence from Denmark in 1944 enjoys all the benefits of European integration with no drawbacks.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Independent investigators, including the late doctor and whistleblower Gao Yaojie, argued the actual number could be much higher.
    — CNN Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of argue
Verb
  • Conservationists and some state officials contend the move is a pretext for commercial development that will harm wildlife habitats and water quality.
    — Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Anthony’s attorneys contend those comments have created the appearance that Roach prejudged the defense’s claims.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of contend
Verb
  • Instead, Watts reasoned McCollough must not have had enough water that day.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
  • And people including many scientists living back then, were very convinced that this was an animal who could do mathematics, who could count, who could reason about simple problems in the way that humans do.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of reason
Verb
  • But taken together, this was quite the week of pandering candidate theatrics and not exactly the precursor to what should be a serious campaign to convince voters of the best candidate to run a city that needs a turnaround agent.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Ellen Evans and Gina Alves told Dateline the family was convinced of Lewis’ involvement.
    — Annalise Peterson, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of convince
Verb
  • This caused a strained relationship with the company after city officials insisted the extra cost should be covered by PCL.
    — Katie Langford, Denver Post, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Anchor tenant JCPenney fought against a shutdown, insisting its store was still popular and profitable.
    — Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of insist
Verb
  • It’s been a while since the Giants asserted themselves as the clearly better team on a field, especially at this time of year.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Hoskins asserted that Missouri’s Constitution doesn’t allow a referendum on congressional redistricting.
    — David A. Lieb, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of assert

Phrases Containing plead

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pleaching
plead
pleaded
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Cite this Entry

“Plead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plead. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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