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 Court records obtained by PEOPLE show that Shtein was arraigned later that day and pleaded not guilty to all charges. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026 Victor Tecu and Ionut Firan-Alexandru both pleaded guilty and received 20-year sentences on multiple felony charges related to the operation. — Mary Ella Hastings july 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026 Apodaca later pleaded guilty to Arquette’s murder and was sentenced to 45 years in prison in 2024. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026 Four others also pleaded guilty to similar charges and are serving sentences ranging from one year to nine years. — Julia Coin july 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 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 defense had argued to delay the hearing, saying in court filings this spring the high volume of discovery meant Robinson’s attorneys would be unable to adequately prepare.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Proponents argue recordings would solve a long-standing crisis that leaves many proceedings with no verbatim record.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of argue
Verb
  • Prosecutors contend the shooting endangered others at Kirk’s campus event — an aggravating circumstance that could make the crime punishable by death under Utah law.
    — Hannah Schoenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Cardwell has anchored the defense for a team that could contend for its second Summer League championship in six years after winning the tournament in 2021.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of contend
Verb
  • The update to Muse Spark beats out Google’s latest release of Gemini in benchmarks measuring coding and reasoning capabilities, according to the tech giant.
    — Ben Weiss, Fortune, 9 July 2026
  • Judge Biggs largely agreed with Williamson that Ford should have known her counterclaims were without merit, reasoning that outlook became clear after the court held the five-year contract was void as a matter of law.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of reason
Verb
  • The court date begins a weeklong preliminary hearing where prosecutors aim to convince a Utah judge to allow the trial to move forward.
    — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Ryan would love nothing more than to help convince the front office to add and give this team a chance down the stretch.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of convince
Verb
  • Iran insists on retaining control over shipping through the waterway and says vessels should instead use routes through its own territorial waters.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Indeed, Brocka insists on escapist fantasies in a world that otherwise offers no escape, which, in my view, is more hopeful than bleak — and, in turn, allows this kind of gritty sensuality to persist in his ever-enduring, luminous cinema.
    — Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
Definition of insist
Verb
  • Education advocates have asserted that California schools are legally entitled to billions more under state law.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Some researchers have asserted that agents need particular kinds of internal architectures to govern the relationships between senses, cognitive processes, actions, and needs.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 8 July 2026
Definition of assert

Phrases Containing plead

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plead
pleaded
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Cite this Entry

“Plead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plead. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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