pleads

verb

present tense third-person singular of plead
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

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 pleads As previously announced, Ulrich plays the enigmatic and manipulative cult leader, who pleads insanity and claims to be taking his commands directly from God. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026 In one shot captured on video, a victim appears to crouch down with his hands up and apparently pleads for their life, Philadelphia Police Capt. — Kelsie Cairns , Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Health and healthcare Luigi Mangione pleads guilty to federal stalking charges in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026 Once Mangione pleads guilty, his lawyers could then ask the judge in the state case to throw out those charges on double jeopardy grounds. — Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 Daemon, on Ceraxes, tracks down his daughter on Sheepstealer and pleads with her again to remain hidden or avail herself of Rhaenyra’s mercy. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The former president pleads not guilty to 34 felony charges of falsifying business records stemming from his hush payment to Daniels. — Jessie Dimartino, ABC News, 29 July 2026 Phaedra pleads with Porsha to at least keep it cool at her birthday dinner that evening, but Porsha can’t even promise that. — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026 Fort Worth Police Department’s West Division At 17 minutes, Beth (Kelly Reilly) pleads with Sheriff Wade (Josh Stewart) at the Rio Paloma Sheriff’s Office to find Carter (Finn Little). — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleads
  1. argues
  2. contends
  3. reasons
  4. insists
  5. asserts
Verb
  • Republican Assemblymember David Tangipa argues California has already spent billions of dollars addressing an issue that's simply getting worse.
    — Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The fact sheet argues that the adjustments are important to keep California’s tax incentive program competitive.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of argues
Verb
  • The IndustriALL Bangladesh Council, or IBC, contends that the clock began when the existing garment wage took effect in December 2023.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The author contends the Fed cannot control price shifts stemming from sophisticated global cooperation, new technologies, or supply chain disruptions, making blame for inflation or expectations of quick fixes unrealistic.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of contends
Verb
  • How the Fed reasons its way to agreements is as important as the agreements.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 18 June 2026
  • The system reasons underneath, processing infinitely complex 3D scenarios, handling trade clashes, regulations and tradeoffs - learning from user feedback over time to eliminate the need for users to supervise its intelligence.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Definition of reasons
Verb
  • The government insists that prisoners are provided with proper medical care and sent to hospital if required.
    — Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • While City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak insists the Italian is excited by a challenge that would scare many.
    — Sam Lee, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of insists
Verb
  • Hearn asserts the existing contract stipulates a UK staging and demands substantial compensation and concessions for Joshua, including tax and travel considerations, to approve a change.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has balked at negotiating a peace deal directly with Zelenskyy, asserts that the Ukrainian president is an illegitimate leader because his term expired in 2024.
    — Barry Hatton, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of asserts

Browse Nearby Words

pleading (to)
pleads
pleads (for)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pleads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleads. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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