plead 1 of 7

Definition of pleadnext

plead (for)

2 of 7

verb (2)

plead (to)

3 of 7

verb (3)

pleaded

4 of 7

verb (4)

variants or pled also plead
past tense of plead

pleading

5 of 7

adjective

as in prayerful
asking humbly a pleading husband seeking forgiveness once again from his long-suffering wife

Synonyms & Similar Words

pleading

6 of 7

noun

as in plea
an earnest request coldhearted tourists pointedly ignoring the pleadings of the city's many street urchins

Synonyms & Similar Words

pleading

7 of 7

verb (5)

present participle of plead

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
Verb
Brandon Aiyuk continued his online rampage against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, taking shots at the team and his now former agent as the disgruntled wide receiver keeps publicly pleading for his release. Mercury News Staff, Mercury News, 28 June 2026 His two co-defendents, wife Rebecca Vance, 42, and friend Keir Ceballos-Rivera, 34, previously pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Verb
Abrego Garcia pleaded not guilty to the human smuggling charges prior to them being dismissed. Laura Romero, ABC News, 22 June 2026 Dono reportedly pleaded not guilty. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 22 June 2026
Noun
Her transfer comes after days of pleading by her family and others who described her condition as critical. ABC News, 10 May 2026 Jain said Jackson has not been formally served with any pleadings, and his representatives were never contacted by Mayers' team over the suit. Irene Wright, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Verb
Loughlin served two months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, while Giannulli was sentenced to five months after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and one count of honest services wire and mail fraud. Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026 He was also sentenced to life imprisonment in Missouri after pleading guilty to five counts of murder. Alexa Newsom, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for plead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plead
Verb
  • Srebnick, however, argued that the crash was a tragic accident — and did not amount to a crime.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026
  • While some experts say the government should be involved in conversations about AI safety, others argue the result could stifle the industry.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • The report generally contends that a single-payer system would, by eliminating the paperwork and other aspects of the current system, be the most efficient from a cost/benefit basis.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
  • Experts contended that the progressive candidates could split the vote, opening the door for McAdams to win.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Vitello seemed to understand Devers’ reasoning for wanting to stay in the game but also knew that Devers was battling some leg soreness.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
  • Plus, Wizards officials reason that Young, who will turn 28 years old in September, will remain in his prime years through the end of his contract.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Notes Sherman Oaks Notre Dame has been able to convince standout safety and top athlete Tahj Skinner to play quarterback this season.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
  • They were saved at the last minute by the owner of the mill, who convinced the arriving American army of their worth.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Even Mamdani, who had campaigned on the idea of dropping his predecessor’s lawsuit and opposition, has come around and is holding firm as the Council insists on some $300 million in additional costs a year.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026
  • Adorni insisted the money was earned legitimately including through cryptocurrency investments.
    Clara Preve, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Car show winners The winner of Best in Show at the fourth annual Historic Downtown Campbell Car Show, held June 6, may seem somewhat underwhelming, but organizers assert that Michael Vanni’s 1964 Chevy Nova has serious street cred.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 21 June 2026
  • That came after the start of talks between the two countries had been delayed while both sides also sought to assert influence over the strait.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Plead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plead. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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