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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 Witherspoon pleaded guilty in a separate nursing-school prosecution and cooperated with federal authorities. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026 Reiner has pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against him. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026 The two were sentenced in Michigan to one year of probation in December 2025, and pleaded guilty to felonious telecommunications fraud in Ohio in 2022. — Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026 Elliott pleaded guilty to the same charges as Calix-Rodriguez, except for the firearm charge. — CBS News, 15 Sep. 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
  • The Chicago Teachers Union pushed to be part of the program anyway, arguing every dollar would help stave off potential layoffs or program cuts.
    — A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • When asked to make his case to midterm voters in an interview last week, Vice President JD Vance argued that Americans should give his party more time to deliver.
    — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of argue
Verb
  • Ahead of the legal arguments, most experts contend that Missouri likely will not use the gerrymandered map in November and instead conduct the election using a map lawmakers passed in 2022.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Penn State regularly contended for New Year’s Six bowls but lost the close, important games so often that fans braced for heartbreak.
    — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of contend
Verb
  • Backwards reasoning like this reminds me of Adlai Stevenson’s presidential campaign 70 years ago.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Forcing Riyadh back to that table Perhaps the most important factor, however, is that the Houthis reasoned conditions on the ground were increasingly favorable for an offensive.
    — Mahad D. Darar, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of reason
Verb
  • This time, Miles Teller plays the father, an out-of-work engineer who is convinced by his ex-cop brother (Adam Driver) to go into business with a group of Russian importers working out of Gowanus.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Some of Arévalo’s former allies, and many of those who voted for him, are dejected, convinced that the president missed a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the country.
    — Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of convince
Verb
  • The Dangote Refinery has often insisted that its fully operational 700,000 barrels-a-day plant can fulfill this demand.
    — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Prevailing xenophobic notions of the time would have insisted on Bridget’s culpability, particularly when Irish women were seen as more likely to be able to swing an ax than leisurely ladies like Lizzie.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of insist
Verb
  • On Tuesday, Zuckerberg echoed Huang's stance in a post on X, asserting that an industry-wide emergency brake is unnecessary and that third-party evaluations represent the optimal path forward.
    — , CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
  • In the agreement, Kohberger also waived his ability to appeal, though defendants always retain the right to later assert ineffective assistance of counsel and pursue post-conviction relief in court.
    — Kevin Fixler September 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 2026.

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