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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Recent Examples of pleads
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
Demerzel could not break free of her programming; Day pleads for a freedom not granted.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
If her best friend, Enid (Emma Myers), pleads with her to consider the fates of her fellow students before running off to play detective, Wednesday will certainly ignore her.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025
As Eva finds a new home and community, Matt pleads with Mia, Chilmark’s leader, to be allowed to travel.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
The 2010 track, which was featured on the album of the same name, Swift pleads with her ex-boyfriend to walk out on his wedding.
—Daniela Avila, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
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
Demerzel could not break free of her programming; Day pleads for a freedom not granted.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
If her best friend, Enid (Emma Myers), pleads with her to consider the fates of her fellow students before running off to play detective, Wednesday will certainly ignore her.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025
As Eva finds a new home and community, Matt pleads with Mia, Chilmark’s leader, to be allowed to travel.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
The 2010 track, which was featured on the album of the same name, Swift pleads with her ex-boyfriend to walk out on his wedding.
—Daniela Avila, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleads
Verb
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Media studies scholar Stephen Ponder argues that William McKinley, inaugurated as president in 1897, laid the groundwork for Roosevelt’s later efforts to fully bring the press into the White House.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Nov. 2025
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What Rokita alleges in lawsuit The lawsuit argues that IPS’s policies violate Indiana law, which prohibits governmental bodies from enacting a resolution or policy that restricts employees from communicating or cooperating with federal officials about someone’s citizenship or immigration status.—
Caroline Beck,
IndyStar,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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But, if the Supreme Court ultimately holds that the president additionally has broad and unfettered authority to impose tariffs through IEEPA in times of national emergency, as the executive branch contends, that could diminish or conflict with Congress’ tariff authority.—
Morgan Chalfant,
semafor.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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The petition contends that Wilson’s office did not acknowledge the use of AI in the Turner case, despite pointed questions on the topic from the judge.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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That's part of a peculiar mindset that insists people with low incomes should not only be poor, but miserable.—
NEAL RUBIN,
Freep.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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Because he was raised by his stoic killer-king father, Dek insists to Thia that things like cooperation and sensitivity and grief are signs of weakness — even though the evidence of such weakness was precisely the reason why his own father wanted Dek killed.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Further, the city asserts, the study doesn’t address potential impacts on adjacent public parking lots.—
Lori Weisberg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Nov. 2025
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The company asserts that its pivotal Phase 3 studies, AURORA-1 and AURORA-2, demonstrated significant and sustained clinical benefit.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pleads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleads. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
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