as in argues
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
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Recent Examples of pleads
But in an earlier scene, Nixon pleads with his wife not to divorce him, reminding her of their idyllic courtship days; Williams’ music here is a lyrical love theme for solo trumpet and strings — pure bittersweet Americana.
—
Tim Greiving, HollywoodReporter, 20 Dec. 2025
Mike Hellgren Lawyer pleads for help Diaz Morales's lawyer, Victoria Slatton,'s videos have gone viral on TikTok.
—Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025
March 24, 2025 Clark pleads not guilty to his federal charges.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 16 Dec. 2025
Williamson pleads ‘not guilty’ Almost a full year after she was interviewed by the FBI, Williamson was arrested in her Carmichael home.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 15 Nov. 2025
After her sisters turn to dust, Winifred pleads with Becca for help.
—Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Stiffler pleads to fight against tax increases, scrutinizing incoming land developers, and back law enforcement if voted onto the council, her campaign site says.
—Pj Green
october 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025
Damages Claim of $65 million The complaint pleads federal claims—asserting violations of the Fourth, Sixth and 14th Amendments—and state-law claims that include false arrest, malicious prosecution, assault and battery, defamation, and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
When the man, James, is pronounced dead nine days later, Jacob pleads guilty to manslaughter and receives 30 months in prison — a sentencing that feels much too light for James’ parents, Joan (Tony winner Victoria Clark) and David (Sam Robards).
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
Tim Greiving, HollywoodReporter, 20 Dec. 2025
Mike Hellgren Lawyer pleads for help Diaz Morales's lawyer, Victoria Slatton,'s videos have gone viral on TikTok.
—Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025
March 24, 2025 Clark pleads not guilty to his federal charges.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 16 Dec. 2025
Williamson pleads ‘not guilty’ Almost a full year after she was interviewed by the FBI, Williamson was arrested in her Carmichael home.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 15 Nov. 2025
After her sisters turn to dust, Winifred pleads with Becca for help.
—Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Stiffler pleads to fight against tax increases, scrutinizing incoming land developers, and back law enforcement if voted onto the council, her campaign site says.
—Pj Green
october 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025
Damages Claim of $65 million The complaint pleads federal claims—asserting violations of the Fourth, Sixth and 14th Amendments—and state-law claims that include false arrest, malicious prosecution, assault and battery, defamation, and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
When the man, James, is pronounced dead nine days later, Jacob pleads guilty to manslaughter and receives 30 months in prison — a sentencing that feels much too light for James’ parents, Joan (Tony winner Victoria Clark) and David (Sam Robards).
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleads
Verb
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The White House argues this video shows Ross was hit by Good's car.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
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The addition of those provisions, the lawsuit argues, violated a requirement in the Missouri Constitution that laws only deal with one subject.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The company contends the town rejected the plan without citing any safety or health hazard.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
11 Jan. 2026
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The filing contends that last year the Los Angeles Superior Court granted Ye’s motion to release the lien from the bond and awarded him attorneys fees.—
Stacy Perman,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The strategy is designed to reshape the board that twice rejected Paramount’s bid and to rally investors behind a rival deal Ellison insists is superior on both value and risk.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
12 Jan. 2026
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However, Alex insists that’s impossible.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The complaint asserts that Minneapolis and Saint Paul have been forced to divert officers from their usual duties to respond to incidents involving federal immigration enforcement, undermining local efforts to protect the community.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
13 Jan. 2026
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Since Aries are known for their bravado and eagerness to win, Max’s vibe aligns with the overall way the Fire sign asserts its strength and power.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pleads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleads. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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