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
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
Fentanyl kingpin pleads guilty to flooding the United States with killer drug.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
Therefore, unless Weinstein pleads guilty to that charge, prosecutors drop the charge or the charge is tried before the end of September, Weinstein's sentencing will presumably be pushed to a later date.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2025
Confused and frightened, Lucy contacts her brother-in-law and pleads with him to come and help.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
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
Fentanyl kingpin pleads guilty to flooding the United States with killer drug.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
Therefore, unless Weinstein pleads guilty to that charge, prosecutors drop the charge or the charge is tried before the end of September, Weinstein's sentencing will presumably be pushed to a later date.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2025
Confused and frightened, Lucy contacts her brother-in-law and pleads with him to come and help.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleads
Verb
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The lawsuit argues the latter, that the victim, John Doe 8, did not discover the injuries from the abuse until four years from the time of the filing.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
2 Oct. 2025
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Even the suggestion of such a levy, argues Schrieder, could be enough to spook studio executives weighing where to place their next tentpole.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Part of the problem, the AAFA contends, is the platform’s difficult takedown process.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
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Mowry contends the stellarator eliminates the tokamak’s instability issues that remain unresolved.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While Meta insists its tools work as intended, watchdogs argue that protecting teens online requires even stronger measures.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
4 Oct. 2025
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Trump insists that trillions in new investment are flowing in, the trade deficit is shrinking, and the nation is flush enough to consider mailing out checks.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Gartner asserts that such a broad array of capabilities—which seem to be constantly changing and being upgraded, especially in the age of RaaS’ rise—will demand a more acute focus on how those systems interact with one another and work toward business goals.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
25 Sep. 2025
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Upon appeal, the State Personnel Board found Robinson did not violate policies and was not overly hostile in those incidents, the complaint asserts.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pleads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleads. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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