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
Relevance
as in to seek
to make a request for
the children pleaded for a kitten for Christmas
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to beg
to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner
weary of charities that are always pleading to people of modest means to contribute even more than they already have
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in prayerful
asking humbly
a pleading husband seeking forgiveness once again from his long-suffering wife
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in plea
an earnest request
coldhearted tourists pointedly ignoring the pleadings of the city's many street urchins
Synonyms & Similar Words
variants
or pled
also plead
as in argued
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
as in arguing
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of plead
Callum Sutherland, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
During the two-week trial, Lee pled not guilty to two counts of murder, per BBC News.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
Sam Reed, Glamour, 11 Aug. 2025
Roberson currently has a pleading pending for the state’s Court of Criminal Appeals.
—Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 16 July 2025
Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
The council steered city staff toward using conditional permits that would give members of the public more opportunities to weigh in when a lounge is proposed — and allow cannabis business owners to plead their cases.
—Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
Parading a sign pleading for a job isn’t the only way young professionals are getting crafty to land a job.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plead
Verb
Epstein was initially sentenced to 18 months imprisonment in 2008 after pleading guilty to state charges—one count of soliciting prostitution and one count of soliciting prostitution from someone under the age of 18.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
During the two-week trial, Lee pled not guilty to two counts of murder, per BBC News.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
Despite his pleading for her forgiveness, Marian seemed unwilling to give Larry another chance—that is, until Jack corroborated Larry's story.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 11 Aug. 2025
Roberson currently has a pleading pending for the state’s Court of Criminal Appeals.
—Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 16 July 2025
Verb
Contra Costa County Court records show that later that year Luchin pleaded guilty to robbery charges and was sentenced to a year in jail, followed by probation.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
The council steered city staff toward using conditional permits that would give members of the public more opportunities to weigh in when a lounge is proposed — and allow cannabis business owners to plead their cases.
—Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
Graham, 62, faced up to 20 years in prison at his sentencing after pleading guilty in May to one count of wire fraud in Miami federal court.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
Parading a sign pleading for a job isn’t the only way young professionals are getting crafty to land a job.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plead
Adjective
-
The Sagrada Família was founded as an expiatory church, meaning that it would be financed by prayerful donations from people atoning for their sins.—
D. T. Max,
New Yorker,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Korie told Fox News Digital the decision to return to television was prayerful and carefully considered.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
To avoid a trial, Jordan’s lawyers just accepted a plea deal, which will close out the case for good.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
18 Sep. 2025
-
However, in November 2021, Smith changed his plea to guilty and also agreed to testify against Shah, who still maintained her innocence, according to Business Insider.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The appeals administrator would be the one who does grant that or not grant that.—
Lydia Mee,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
But its unique landscape appeals to a much broader range of demographics, from retirees checking off bucket-list destinations, to Southern California families escaping the sprawl, to young adults on a quest for self-discovery.—
Paula Conway,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
My deepest condolences and prayers are with Trey's family during this difficult time.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
His family is asking for prayers and privacy at this time.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Kumukahi is wearing a red blouse with an overlaid print of the 1897 petition against the annexation by the United States, written by her great-grand-aunt, and signed by 40,000 people.—
Matt Negrin,
Rolling Stone,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Discipbush Baggy Parachute Pants with Pockets Consider this our official petition to bring back parachute pants.—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plead. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.
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